Rizwan, Salman Agha Likely to Retain Places for Lord's Test
LONDON: Pakistan are likely to retain experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha for the second Test against England at Lord's, as the team management weighs changes following a heavy defeat in the series opener. The development comes on the eve of the crucial match, with Pakistan needing a strong response to keep the three-Test series competitive.
Rizwan and Salman had both come under scrutiny after Pakistan's innings-and-103-run defeat at Headingley, where the tourists struggled across departments. Despite speculation that the management could make sweeping changes, the latest indications suggest both senior players remain part of the preferred combination for Lord's. Rizwan has represented Pakistan in 46 Tests, while Salman has appeared in 28 matches in the format.
Captain Babar Azam's expected return is set to be the most important change to Pakistan's batting order. Babar missed the opening Test because of a finger injury but has returned to training and indicated that he is ready to play. His comeback gives Pakistan an experienced top-order option as the side attempts to recover from two poor batting performances in Leeds.
Salman's place appears particularly significant because Babar has identified him as his preferred second spin option alongside left-arm spinner Ali Usman. Ali was one of Pakistan's strongest performers in the first Test, taking five wickets for 95 runs. There had been speculation that specialist off-spinner Sajid Khan could be brought into the side, but the captain's comments suggest the management may instead rely on Salman to provide additional spin while preserving greater batting depth.
Rizwan, meanwhile, is expected to continue behind the stumps despite earlier reports suggesting Pakistan could consider handing a Test debut to young wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori. Retaining Rizwan would give Pakistan continuity in a key position and maintain a significant level of international experience in a batting lineup that struggled against England's pace attack at Headingley.
Babar's return could instead place pressure on Saud Shakeel's position. Shakeel scored five and 14 in the opening Test, and the team management must find room for the returning captain in the batting order. Pakistan may also alter its pace attack, with fast bowler Ubaid Shah being considered as a possible replacement for Khurram Shahzad as selectors look for greater pace and penetration at Lord's.
The selection decisions carry added importance because England already lead the series 1-0. Pakistan must avoid another defeat if they are to retain a realistic chance of drawing or winning the series. The Lord's conditions, pitch composition and final assessment before the toss are expected to influence whether Pakistan make only limited changes or adjust both their batting and bowling combinations.
Attention will now turn to Pakistan's final playing eleven for the second Test. With Babar expected back, Rizwan and Salman likely to retain their positions and Ubaid potentially entering the pace attack, the management appears to be favouring targeted changes rather than a complete overhaul. Pakistan will need a significantly improved batting performance and greater consistency with the ball to challenge England and level the series at Lord's.