Babar Azam is likely to be excluded from the lineup for the second Test against England

Babar Azam, the star batsman and former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, is expected to be omitted from the lineup for the upcoming second Test against England. This significant decision follows Pakistan’s disheartening innings loss to England in the first Test match held in Multan. The newly formed selection committee convened in Lahore shortly after the defeat to discuss changes to the squad, with Babar’s exclusion emerging as the most notable outcome.

Selection Committee’s Recommendation

According to sources from ESPNcricinfo, the selection committee met shortly after the first Test loss, during which they collectively recommended Babar’s dropping. The committee, chaired by Mohsin Naqvi, included five mentors appointed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as part of its restructuring. A follow-up meeting took place in Multan, where discussions included the performance and future of various players.

In the wake of the team’s defeat, captain Shan Masood publicly endorsed Babar, declaring him “Pakistan’s best batter” and advocating for continuity within the squad. Test coach Jason Gillespie echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for patience with players. However, behind closed doors, the selection panel believed that a break from the national side could benefit Babar, as he has struggled to find form, not scoring a Test half-century since December 2022.

The Context of Babar’s Omission

Babar Azam’s struggle with form has been a pressing concern, with his recent performance against England being particularly lackluster. He managed to score only 35 runs across both innings in the first Test, extending his streak of Test innings without a half-century to 18. His average in Tests this year is under 21, raising alarms about his current capabilities.

Babar’s leadership has also been under scrutiny following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, which led to his resignation from captaincy across all formats. Though he was briefly reappointed as captain for T20I and ODI formats, his second tenure was marred by further struggles, including early exits from tournaments and inconsistent performances.

Impact of the Decision

The impending omission of Babar Azam will undoubtedly send shockwaves through Pakistan cricket. He remains one of the biggest names in the sport, with a dedicated fanbase that transcends the national team’s overall performance. Despite ongoing debates about his captaincy and leadership skills, Babar’s batting prowess has consistently been recognized, making him an automatic selection until recent struggles.

Babar’s absence in the squad may open opportunities for other players, with the selectors considering various spin options to replace Abrar Ahmed, who remains hospitalized. Additionally, Shaheen Afridi’s fitness is in question, potentially leading to further changes in the lineup.

Looking Ahead

As Pakistan gears up for the second Test against England, scheduled to begin on October 15 in Multan, they face the challenge of bouncing back from their recent defeat, which marked their sixth consecutive loss in Test matches. The team sits at the bottom of the World Test Championship table, highlighting the urgency for a turnaround.

In conclusion, Babar Azam’s likely exclusion from the upcoming Test symbolizes a pivotal moment for Pakistan cricket. As they strive for improvement, the focus will be on how the team adapts and responds to the absence of one of its key players.