Pakistan are all set to make changes to their squad for the second Test after becoming the first team to lose a Test after scoring 500 plus runs in the first innings in the opening Test match of the home series against England. Among the marquee players set to be dropped is Babar Azam, claims a report carried by ESPNCricinfo whose string of low scores continued in the series opener.
The said report suggets that Babar's dropping has been recommended by the newly formed selection committee which met in Lahour within hours of the embarrassing defeat that the hosts incurred to go 0-1 down in the three-match series. They met for a sectond time, too, claims the same report, this time around their session including Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi along with the five mentors appointed by PCB on three-year deals.
Will Babar Azam Play Quaid-e-Azam Trophy?
It is understood that the selection panel felt that time away from cricket could benefit Babar as runs have eluded him with his last Test half-century dating back to December 2022 and the right-handed batter missing out even on a batting paradise in Multan. This is contrary to the public backing shown by captain Shan Masood who termed Babar "Pakistan's best batter". Shan even called out for more time for his players, a sentiment which was echoed by Test coach Jason Gillespie.
Even though Babar is set to be benched for the second Test against England, it is not yet clear on whether or not he will be available to play the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, scheduled to begin on October 20. Babar has not featured in a single match of that first class competition since 2019. Babar's form has been under scrutiny as he averages under 21 in nine Tests.