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The news of Babar Azam's potential exclusion from the Pakistan cricket team for the second Test against England has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Azam, a star batsman and Pakistan's captain, has been struggling for form recently, and the selection committee is reportedly considering dropping him for the crucial match. The decision comes on the heels of Pakistan's embarrassing innings loss to England in the first Test in Multan, where Azam scored just 35 runs across two innings. This dismal performance extended his run without a half-century in Test cricket to a concerning 18 innings, placing him among a select group of Pakistan batters who have endured such a prolonged drought of runs. The newly formed selection committee, which includes prominent figures like Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, and Azhar Ali, has taken a bold stance, recognizing the urgent need for a change in the team's batting lineup. The committee met immediately after the first Test defeat and again the following day, deliberating extensively on Azam's future in the side.
Azam's struggles have been a subject of much debate, with many pointing to his technical flaws and lack of adaptation to different conditions. The pressure has been mounting on him to deliver, with fans and experts alike questioning his captaincy. Despite public support from Pakistan captain Shan Masood and Test coach Jason Gillespie, the selection panel ultimately decided that Azam would benefit from a break from the national side. This decision, though controversial, reflects the committee's commitment to prioritize team performance and address the pressing need for a turnaround in Pakistan's batting fortunes. However, the decision has not come without its share of criticism. Many believe that dropping Azam, who is arguably Pakistan's most talented batsman, is a hasty and unnecessary move. They argue that instead of dropping him, the team should focus on providing him with the support and guidance he needs to regain his form.
The second Test, set to begin on October 15, promises to be a crucial encounter for both teams. England, riding high on their recent victories, will be looking to build on their winning momentum. For Pakistan, the challenge is even greater, with the team needing to find a solution to their batting woes. Whether or not Babar Azam features in the second Test remains to be seen, but the decision will have a significant impact on the outcome of the series. This potential change to the Pakistan lineup is a testament to the dynamic nature of international cricket, where performance reigns supreme and decisions can often be swift and unexpected. The spotlight will be on Pakistan's new selection committee as they navigate the delicate balance between the need for change and the desire to support their star players.
Source: Pakistan set to drop Babar Azam for second Test against England: Report