Sadiq urges Pakistan to rethink team balance

KARACHI: Former Pakistan Test opener Sadiq Mohammad has urged the team management to rethink its combination for the second Test against England, saying Pakistan's defeat at Headingley exposed the weakness of playing an extra batsman at the expense of a fifth frontline bowler. Pakistan were beaten by an innings and 103 runs in the opening Test, with England's seamers exploiting the conditions to put the visitors' batting under sustained pressure. Sadiq said Pakistan must select a side better suited to English conditions, where changes in weather can quickly bring seam and swing into play. He questioned the long-standing policy of selecting seven specialist batsmen in Test matches, arguing that the additional batsman offered less value than another genuine wicket-taking option. "I could never understand the strategy of selecting seven batsmen," Sadiq told The Express Tribune. "A No 7 batsman can only add extra runs if the tail-enders survive, whereas an extra frontline bowler can win a match or bring the team back into contention with two wickets." He contrasted Pakistan's combination with England's, pointing out that the hosts used four seamers, while Pakistan went with three frontline quicks and one spinner. For the second Test at Lord's, Sadiq wants Pakistan to field five specialist batsmen, a wicket-keeper batsman, four seamers and one spinner. He also backed the return of off-spinner Sajid Khan, who was left out of the first Test. Sadiq believes Sajid's aggressive bowling and wicket-taking ability could give Pakistan a greater attacking option and provide the balance required for a five-bowler attack. Sadiq also questioned the batting position of stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha, who came in at No 6 after half the side had been dismissed. He believes Salman should have moved up to No4 or No5 to lead from the front and take responsibility while established batsmen were still at the crease. "As captain, Salman should lead from the front and accept the challenge," Sadiq said. The former opener also expects Babar Azam's return to strengthen Pakistan's batting. Sadiq believes Babar's presence can provide greater stability to a batting line-up that struggled badly at Headingley. He has also urged Pakistan to bowl first if they win the toss, taking advantage of the moisture and movement available with the new ball. For the seamers, Sadiq wants a disciplined approach, with the ball repeatedly targeted at the fourth-stump line on a good length to allow movement in both directions.