With the third Test against England on the horizon, Pakistan is grappling with a significant selection dilemma following a series of disappointing performances. The team has made sweeping changes to its squad, which raises the stakes for the players who will ultimately take the field. After suffering two heavy defeats in the series, including a 194-run loss at Lord's, the pressure is mounting for the players to deliver a strong showing.
In a bid to rejuvenate the squad, Pakistan has released several players, including Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, and Aamer Jamal, after their dismal outings. In their place, seven new players have been called up, but the question remains: how many of these fresh faces will make it into the playing XI? The squad for the third Test includes notable names such as Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, and Mohammad Abbas, among others.
Pakistan's batting lineup has struggled throughout the series, failing to surpass the 200-run mark in any of their four innings thus far, with scores of 171, 135, 110, and 194. Despite this, it is anticipated that the core of the batting order will remain intact, with Babar Azam, Azan Awais, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, and Saud Shakeel likely to retain their spots. However, with Imam-ul-Haq's departure, Saim Ayub, who last represented Pakistan in Test cricket in January 2025, might step into the opening role.
Ayub's Test statistics are modest, with only 364 runs from 14 innings at an average of 26, but he recently showcased his batting prowess with a T20 century in the Caribbean Premier League. His inclusion could provide a much-needed spark to the batting lineup. Additionally, Pakistan is expected to field an all-pace bowling attack, particularly after sending Ali Usman back home, which may lead to Saim serving as the team's sole spin option.
In the wicketkeeping department, Ghazi Ghori is poised to replace Rizwan. The 19-year-old Saad Baig is another option, having made a name for himself with impressive performances in domestic cricket, including scoring over 1000 runs at an average of 55.55 in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. However, Ghori's experience, having already played four ODIs this year, makes him the frontrunner for the role.
When it comes to the bowling attack, Mohammad Imran Randhawa is likely to be selected for his all-round capabilities. With over a decade of first-class experience, he has accumulated 2255 runs and taken 110 wickets, making him a valuable asset. The team is also expected to include Ubaid Shah, a promising 20-year-old fast bowler who made his Test debut during the West Indies tour, bringing a fresh dynamic to the bowling lineup.
Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali are expected to retain their spots in the XI, having been Pakistan's standout bowlers on this tour. Abbas has taken 10 wickets at an impressive average of 20.80, while Ali has contributed six wickets to the team's efforts.
As the team prepares for this crucial match, the predicted XI for Pakistan against England is as follows: Azan Awais, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Ghazi Ghori (wk), Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Abbas, and Ubaid Shah. This match represents a pivotal moment for Pakistan as they seek to salvage pride in the series.
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