“We are confident that this pause in international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges,” he said. “They remain some of our best talents and have much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket. We are fully committed to supporting them during this period so that they can return even stronger.”
Babar’s lack of strategy has been clearly documented, but Shaheen has also given the impression of a silhouette of the bowler he used to be before his surprise in 2023. Since the start of 2023, he has controlled 17 wickets in 11 innings with 45 .47 in step with window. His year has dropped considerably, as has his effect as a new player. Health issues have compounded his woes as this is the third straight start but won’t end. He was largely dead during the first Test, posting figures of one for 120 in 26 overs. ESPNcricinfo had earlier reported that he no longer trusted a park, and the selectors eventually decided to abandon him.
Naseem has also struggled to develop the brilliant approach he showed in Checks since his debut in 2019. He was long considered an expert. Look at the bowler who didn’t play white-ball games around the world for the next three years, his workload has come under increasing scrutiny. He returned from his first long-term concussion in April 2024, having needed surgery on his shoulder closest to a concussion suffered at the 2023 Asia Cup. His year has also taken a clear dip, although he was the only player to Pakistan bowling that reached 140 km/h during the first Test. He threatened in patches during the first Test, but eventually returned figures of two for 157 in 31 overs, as England declared 823 for 7.
The omission of both seamers leaves Pakistan’s attack with a loss of superstar power of real repute and limited new-ball pedigree. Pakistan have integrated a distinct spinner, although they have also struggled in that section, with restricted spin ability during the Quaid-e-Azam trophy. Sajid and Noman’s recollections are probably illustrative of that, as Pakistan struggle to find a way to snatch 20 wickets, and Masood attributes Pakistan’s failure in the first Test to their limited wicket-taking performance.
The second test starts in Multan on October 15, and the third in Rawalpindi will open on October 24.
Pakistan team for second and third check: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah (goalkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (goalkeeper), Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha and Zahid Mehmood.
