Forgetting the defeat of the first test, Pakistan is ready for a counterattack, but the second test of the series against England will start today in Southampton.
Pakistan had lost the Test at Old Trafford, the visitors, who dominated the match for most of the time, surrendered to the partnership of Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler for the sixth wicket on the fourth and final day, both of whom were aggressive and counter-attacked. The visiting team had no answer.
The series will be at stake in Southampton, if England takes a decisive lead, the spirit of the Green Caps will fade for the third match, there is a double challenge for the management, one is because of the difficult conditions due to the intervention of rain.
Decisions will also have to be made for other correct combinations, Shaun Masood played a good innings in the openers, he failed in the second over, Abid Ali, who has performed consistently in Asian conditions, is under pressure in England, captain Azhar Ali too. Couldn’t overcome technical glitches.
They are under heavy pressure after being criticized for poor leadership, Babar Azam will once again be the axis of hopes, inconsistent performance Asad Shafiq will try to play big innings.
Mohammad Rizwan is also anxious to prove himself as a big match player, Pakistan is considering feeding Fawad Alam, in which case Shadab Khan will have to be out.
The proposal to include Sohail Khan in place of Naseem Shah in the pace battery was considered, but bowling coach Waqar Younis has strongly supported the young pacer in a video conference, along with Mohammad Abbas and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took 8 wickets at Old Trafford. Spinner Yasir Shah will also be present.
On the other hand, Pakistan can take advantage of the absence of an authentic all-rounder from the host team, Ben Stokes, who has taken a leave due to family reasons. His gap is likely to be filled by Zach Crowley, who showed an impressive performance against the West Indies. There was talk of giving Ollie Robinson or Mark Wood a chance to make a debut by giving rest to James Anderson by the English team still following the rotation policy.
According to captain Root, it is likely that Anderson will be in action. Wouldn’t you take a chance on a bowler with over 600 wickets, man of the match Chris Woakes at Old Trafford as an all-rounder?
On the other hand, Jofra Archer can be rested, Sam Curran can be part of the playing XI, England won 2 matches, lost 1 and drew 1 in Southampton, Pakistan have not played any test there yet.
In the video conference, bowling coach Waqar Younis said that the defeat in the Old Trafford Test was difficult to digest, no one was expecting this result, we were out for 3 and a half days.
Played well in most sessions. Only 1, 2 were spoiled, on the fourth and last day of the match, England played with boats on fire, luck did not support us either.
He said that it is not correct to blame the error in bowling or batting, there were a few mistakes in every department, there is no single department for the defeat, we are all responsible, we will enter the field determined not to repeat our mistakes. Determined to make a comeback in the series, the team has the potential to overwhelm England.
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2024-09-02 16:14:11
