Pakistan’s Test team has undergone a significant transformation for the second Test against England, opting for a spin-heavy attack on the same pitch that witnessed England’s record-breaking performance in the first Test. This drastic change in strategy reflects a shift in Pakistan’s approach to home pitches, with assistant coach Azhar Mahmood revealing that they had planned to prepare spin-friendly surfaces for England.
Despite the expectation that the pitch would begin to turn from the second day in the first Test, Pakistan’s lineup featured only one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed. However, for the second Test, they have lined up with three spinners: Zahid Mahmood, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan. This will be the first time Pakistan has played a men’s Test with only one fast bowler, Aamer Jamal.
The decision to field three spinners stems from Pakistan’s belief that spin is the best way to take 20 wickets against England on this particular pitch. Mahmood emphasized the importance of taking wickets and expressed confidence in the experience of the incoming spinners, despite their lack of recent first-class matches.
However, the exclusion of Babar Azam from the team has raised eyebrows. Mahmood insists that it is a “rest” rather than a “drop,” citing Pakistan’s upcoming schedule. However, some question why the upcoming white-ball tours could not serve as a more appropriate avenue for rotation, given the significance of the home Test series against England.
The fielding of three spinners in addition to Salman Agha, who Mahmood previously described as a “specialist spinner,” indicates Pakistan’s belief that the pitch will take turn. They have left grass on the surface to encourage spin and hope it will work in their favor.
