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Shaheen Afridi Backs Pakistan for Strong Comeback in Second Test

Shaheen Afridi Backs Pakistan for Strong Comeback in Second Test

By October 15, 2024 0

Pakistan’s star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed his support for the national team as they prepare for the second Test against England in Multan. Afridi, along with Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, was released from the squad for the remaining two Tests of the series.

The changes to Pakistan’s squad were made by a newly-formed selection committee, formed hours after the hosts suffered an embarrassing loss by an innings and 47 runs to England in the first Test at Multan. Pakistan are 0-1 behind in the three-match Test series against England and are also at the bottom of the ongoing World Test Championship standings.

Afridi, who has been struggling with form and fitness, took to social media to wish the team well. “Wishing Team Pakistan the best of luck! Rooting for a strong comeback. We’re all cheering for you!” he wrote on Twitter.

The second Test between Pakistan and England will be played on the same pitch as the series opener in Multan from Tuesday. Pakistan will be hoping to level the series and avoid a humiliating whitewash.

Pakistan squad for second and third Tests:

* Shan Masood (captain)
* Saud Shakeel (vice-captain)
* Aamir Jamal
* Abdullah Shafique
* Haseebullah (wicket-keeper)
* Kamran Ghulam
* Mehran Mumtaz
* Mir Hamza
* Mohammad Ali
* Mohammad Huraira
* Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper)
* Noman Ali
* Saim Ayub
* Sajid Khan
* Salman Ali Agha
* Zahid Mehmood

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Pakistan Fields Spin-Heavy Attack for Second Test Against England

Pakistan Fields Spin-Heavy Attack for Second Test Against England

By October 14, 2024 0

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.

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Pakistan Drops Top Quartet for Remaining Tests Against England

Pakistan Drops Top Quartet for Remaining Tests Against England

By October 14, 2024 0

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a bold decision to rest four of its top players for the remaining two Test matches against England. The move, which includes dropping captain Babar Azam, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, and pace bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, has raised eyebrows in the cricket world.

The PCB has defended the decision, stating that it is in the best interests of the team. A PCB spokesperson said that the players were “spared from the team to give them rest so that they can come back afresh.”

The decision comes after Pakistan suffered a humiliating innings and 47-run defeat in the first Test at Rawalpindi. The team’s performance was widely criticized, with many calling for changes to the playing XI.

The PCB has also announced a new selection committee, which will be responsible for selecting the team for the remaining two Tests. The new committee includes former players Aleem Dar, Aaqib Javed, Azhar Ali, and Hassan Cheema.

The four players who have been dropped have been replaced by younger players, including Haseebullah, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Ali, and Kamran Ghulam. These players have limited experience at the international level, but the PCB believes that they have the potential to succeed.

The PCB’s decision to rest its top players is a gamble. However, it is a gamble that the board believes is necessary to ensure the long-term success of the team.

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Babar Azam's Exclusion from Pakistan Test Squad Raises Concerns

Babar Azam’s Exclusion from Pakistan Test Squad Raises Concerns

By October 14, 2024 0

Pakistan’s decision to exclude star batsman Babar Azam from the upcoming Test series against England has raised eyebrows, with former England captain Nasser Hussain expressing his surprise. Hussain believes that while Azam is currently out of form, he is a player who can rise to the occasion when the pressure is on.

Azam’s exclusion, along with that of strike bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, was a bold move by Pakistan’s new selection panel. Hussain suggests that England may not be too concerned about Azam’s absence, given his recent struggles. However, he warns that players of Azam’s caliber often find a way to score runs when it matters most.

Azam’s form has dipped since he was appointed captain and Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the T20 World Cup in June. He has not scored a Test half-century since 2022, despite an impressive overall record that includes nine centuries and 26 half-centuries in 55 matches.

Meanwhile, Shaheen has struggled to regain his wicket-taking rhythm after recovering from a knee injury. Pakistan’s decision to use the same contentious Multan pitch for the second Test has also drawn criticism from Hussain. He emphasizes the need for a more balanced pitch that offers something for both batsmen and bowlers.

“Test cricket cannot afford another game like the one we had last week,” Hussain wrote. “There has to be a balance between bat and ball, and that means the pitch has to offer bowlers something at both ends of the game: movement for the seamers at the start, turn for the spinners at the end.”

Pakistan will be desperate to level the series against England, but they will need to find a way to overcome the absence of their star players and the challenges posed by the Multan pitch.

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England's Fast-Bowling Stocks on the Rise Ahead of Ashes Tour

England’s Fast-Bowling Stocks on the Rise Ahead of Ashes Tour

By October 13, 2024 0

England’s fast-bowling stocks are on the rise, according to James Anderson, who believes the team is developing a “battery” of quicks ahead of next winter’s Ashes tour.

Anderson, who has been working as England’s fast-bowling coach since his retirement in July, has been impressed by the emergence of a new generation of seam bowlers.

“The list is not endless, but it feels like it is growing and growing,” Anderson said. “We’ve got the likes of Woody and Jofra [to come back in] but also Olly Stone and Josh Tongue. It feels like there’s loads of guys coming through — Josh Hull as well, who we think has got a good future.”

Anderson’s comments come after a promising start to the Test series in Pakistan, where Gus Atkinson has taken 38 wickets at 21.86 in his first seven Tests. Brydon Carse also impressed on debut in Multan last week with his speed, skill, and stamina.

“Atkinson seems to rise to every challenge that’s put in front of him,” Anderson said. “Brydon was outstanding… To bowl 90mph in that heat, pretty consistently, was an amazing effort. He was accurate, he bowled good short stuff when we needed him to do that, and he bowls wicket-taking balls – and that’s what we’re after, as a bowling group.”

England are missing Mark Wood in Pakistan due to his elbow injury, while they still hope that Jofra Archer might return to Test cricket next year after a three-year absence.

“We’ve got a lot of options there,” Anderson said. “It is really exciting for an England group at the minute, thinking of what we have ahead with India next summer, then Australia, and then going forward over the next three years.”

Anderson’s involvement with England’s fast bowlers is officially as a consultant coach for their winter Test tours to Pakistan and New Zealand, with his longer-term future with the team unclear. However, he left open the possibility of extending his role further down the line, potentially including next winter’s Ashes tour.

“I’m really enjoying it,” Anderson said. “We have an amazing coaching group who have been really helpful. I’ve not officially done this job before, but I feel like it’s not far off where I was for the last few years of my career: trying to be there for bowlers, help them as much as possible, come up with ideas when we’re in the field. It’s been great… so far, so good.”

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Ben Stokes Set to Return for England in Second Pakistan Test

Ben Stokes Set to Return for England in Second Pakistan Test

By October 13, 2024 0

England captain Ben Stokes is poised to make a timely return for the second Test against Pakistan, scheduled to commence on Tuesday in Multan. The 33-year-old all-rounder was sidelined for the first Test, which England convincingly won by an innings and 47 runs, with Ollie Pope leading the team in his absence.

An official spokesperson for the England team confirmed that Stokes actively participated in practice sessions with the squad on Sunday. Should he be deemed fit, Stokes is likely to replace Chris Woakes in the playing XI. The announcement of England’s team lineup, typically made two days prior to a Test match, will be postponed until Stokes’s fitness is thoroughly assessed on Monday.

“Ben bowled approximately four overs at full pace today. He engaged in high-intensity running and had a 45-minute batting session in the nets,” the spokesperson stated. “He will undergo further evaluation after today, and a decision regarding his availability will be made within the next 24 hours.”

Stokes sustained a left hamstring tear while batting during the Hundred competition in August, which prevented him from participating in England’s recent 2-1 home series victory over Sri Lanka, which was also captained by Pope.

The return of Stokes, a pivotal figure in England’s Test setup, would provide a significant boost to the team. His all-round abilities, including his aggressive batting, incisive bowling, and exceptional fielding, make him a formidable asset.

If Stokes is cleared to play, it will be a welcome development for England as they seek to consolidate their advantage in the three-match series. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be eager to bounce back from their heavy defeat in the first Test and level the series in Multan.

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Pakistan Cricket Team Faces Scathing Criticism After Humiliating Test Defeat

Pakistan Cricket Team Faces Scathing Criticism After Humiliating Test Defeat

By October 13, 2024 0

Pakistan’s cricket team has come under fire from former batter Basit Ali following their humiliating defeat to England in the first Test of the three-match series in Multan. The loss marked Pakistan’s sixth consecutive Test defeat, extending their winless streak to 10 matches in the format.

Ali, in a viral rant on his YouTube channel, expressed his disgust with the team’s performance, labeling it as “shameful.” He questioned the place of star batter Babar Azam in the team, urging the selectors to drop him. Azam has not scored a Test century in over two years, and Ali believes that any other player would have been dropped long ago.

“Babar Azam needs rest. He should be the one saying, ‘I need to rest’. It’s been 18 innings without a significant performance. Any other player would have been dropped after three games, like Fawad Alam. This is the harsh reality. Babar should reduce his stance. It’s too wide now. The whole world is laughing. Is this how you play?” Ali said.

Ali also criticized captain Shan Masood, suggesting that he should be opening the batting instead of playing at number three. He questioned Masood’s credentials as captain, saying, “I’ve always maintained that Shan is an opener and should be opening. But he played at number three. Now what will happen? Who will you drop? He should play in his rightful position. He doesn’t even understand captaincy. What has become of this cricket team? It’s shameful.”

The loss to England continues a painful stretch for Pakistan and will likely increase the pressure on Masood, who is reportedly set to be sacked by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The win is England’s fourth consecutive Test triumph on Pakistan soil, after a 3-0 whitewash two years ago. England had only won two away Tests against Pakistan in the previous 61 years.

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Pakistan to Reuse Pitch for Second Test Against England in Multan

Pakistan to Reuse Pitch for Second Test Against England in Multan

By October 13, 2024 0

Pakistan’s decision to reuse the same pitch for the second Test against England in Multan has raised eyebrows, but the move is not without precedent. The International Cricket Council (ICC) requires only “the best possible pitch and outfield conditions” for Test matches, with no stipulations that the surface must be fresh or unused.

Pakistan’s decision may be driven by a desire to level the playing field after their innings defeat in the first Test. The pitch in Multan offered little assistance to bowlers, with 1,599 runs scored for the loss of 26 wickets. England’s bowlers were particularly frustrated, with Chris Woakes describing the surface as offering “bugger all.”

By reusing the same pitch, Pakistan may hope to create conditions that favor their spinners. The bowlers’ footmarks from the first Test are dry and cracked, and the fans and harsh sun will further dry them out. This could make it difficult for England’s batsmen to play spin, especially if Ben Stokes is selected as a third seamer.

Stokes has ramped up his bowling workloads over the past week and bowled at full pace in the nets on Sunday morning. His inclusion would give England a potent bowling attack, but it could also backfire if the pitch does not offer enough assistance to spinners.

England, meanwhile, are braced for a lower-scoring match. They will be hoping to take advantage of the dry conditions and exploit any variable bounce that may develop. Kevin Pietersen, the former England captain, described the pitch as a “bowlers’ graveyard” on Twitter and suggested that Pakistan should re-use it for the second Test.

Pakistan’s move is unusual, but it is not without precedent. In 2016, India reused the same pitch for two consecutive Tests against New Zealand in Kanpur. The pitch offered more assistance to spinners in the second Test, and India won by an innings and 115 runs.

Whether Pakistan’s gamble will pay off remains to be seen. The second Test starts on Tuesday, and the conditions will be closely monitored.

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Michael Vaughan Slams Pakistan as “Worst” Side in History

By October 13, 2024 0

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has labeled the current Pakistan side as the “worst” he has seen in history. Vaughan’s remark came after Pakistan became the first team to lose a Test after scoring 550 or more runs in the first innings. Despite posting 556 runs in the first innings, England outbatted them in Multan to declare on 823/7. The hosts collapsed for a meager 220 in the second innings, allowing England to seal the match by an innings and 47 runs.

Vaughan’s criticism of Pakistan was scathing, calling them “the worst Pakistan side I can remember.” He attributed their poor performance to a lack of discipline and clarity in their bowling attack. In contrast, Vaughan praised England’s approach, who scored well over five runs per over in the first innings and bowled with great discipline.

“This is the worst Pakistan side I can remember,” Vaughan wrote in his column for The Telegraph. “But to make 823 for seven at 5.5 runs an over, while taking few risks and looking in total control, is very special. The most impressive thing for me was the way the bowling attack combined. You could tell what everyone’s role was. And they stuck to their task gallantly and were right up for the challenge, which is exactly what Brendon McCullum wants to see.”

Vaughan’s only area of concern for England was about Shoaib Bashir being their first choice spinner over Jack Leach, especially after the latter sparked Pakistan’s collapse in the second innings.

“The one selection point I was not sure about at the start of the summer was opting for Shoaib Bashir over Leach as the front-line spinner,” Vaughan added. “I can see Bashir’s potential, but Leach outbowled him in Multan, and had a very good season for Somerset. I am a bit old school with spin bowling. Your finger spinner just needs to bowl, bowl, bowl. That is the way to learn, get used to conditions, make subtle variations to your release point, and angle of attack. Bashir just has not bowled that much this summer.”

Pakistan will now look to bounce back in the series with the second Test starting on October 15.

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Babar Azam Dropped from Pakistan Test Squad for Second Test

Babar Azam Dropped from Pakistan Test Squad for Second Test

By October 13, 2024 0

Pakistan’s cricket team has undergone significant changes ahead of the second Test against England, with star batter Babar Azam being dropped from the squad. The decision was made by the newly formed selection committee, which met in Lahore and Multan after Pakistan’s chastening innings loss in the first Test.

Babar’s omission is a major blow to Pakistan, as he is their most experienced and successful batter. However, the selection committee felt that he would benefit from time away from the national side, as he has not scored a Test half-century since December 2022.

The selection panel comprises Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, Aleem Dar, Hassan Cheema, and the captain and head coach of the format for which the squad is being selected. It is understood that neither Masood nor Gillespie were part of the selection committee meeting on Friday.

While some of the mentors were in favor of keeping Babar in the squad, the majority opinion was in favor of dropping him. It is not yet clear whether Babar will make himself available to play the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which is scheduled to begin on October 20.

Babar’s form has been under scrutiny for some time, and his struggles against England on a flat wicket only intensified the pressure on him. He has now gone 18 innings without a half-century in Test cricket, and his average in nine Tests since the start of 2023 is under 21.

The loss of form has coincided with a turbulent time in terms of Babar’s leadership status. He resigned as captain from all formats after Pakistan’s elimination at the ODI World Cup in 2023, but was reappointed as T20I and ODI captain just four months later. However, he quit captaincy once more in June 2024, citing a desire to focus on his batting.

Babar’s omission is not the only change to the Pakistan squad. Abrar Ahmed remains in hospital and is unlikely to recover in time for the second Test. Selectors are considering Noman Ali and Sajid Khan as potential replacements. There is also a chance that Shaheen Afridi does not play the second Test, as he continues to struggle to return to his pre-knee injury form.

The second Test against England begins on October 15 in Multan. England won the first Test by an innings and 47 runs, putting Pakistan at the bottom of the World Test Championship table.

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