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The Pakistan cricket team has made significant changes to their lineup for the second Test match against England in Multan, opting for a spin-heavy approach. The decision follows a disappointing performance in the first Test, where Pakistan suffered an innings defeat despite posting a record-breaking first innings total of over 500 runs. The team's recent struggles, including six consecutive Test losses, have led to a desperate search for a winning formula. The selectors, led by Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, and Aaqib Javed, have chosen to focus on spin bowling, naming three specialist spinners - Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Zahid Mahmood - in the eleven.
This strategy reflects the belief that the Multan pitch will favor spin bowlers, a view shared by the pitch curator who has been instructed to prepare a spin-conducive surface. With only one seamer, Aamer Jamal, in the side, Pakistan is expected to start the match with a spinner, likely Sajid Khan, who previously bowled effectively in Sydney earlier this year. The inclusion of Noman Ali, who last played for Pakistan in July 2023, adds another experienced spin bowling option. He had a successful series against Sri Lanka in Colombo, picking up seven wickets in the second innings. Zahid Mahmood, who has played two Tests against England in the past, also brings his own unique skillset to the team.
The team also saw the inclusion of Kamran Ghulam, who will be making his Test debut. Ghulam, a consistent performer in first-class cricket, replaces Babar Azam at number four in the batting order. Azam has been rested for the match, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board. Ghulam's selection is based on his impressive first-class record, which includes 13 centuries since the beginning of 2023. Despite his success in domestic cricket, he has limited experience at the international level, having played only one ODI in January 2023. However, the team management believes that Ghulam's strong batting abilities and temperament will be valuable assets in this crucial Test match. The team's selection decisions highlight the pressure on the Pakistan team to reverse their recent losing trend and find success at home. With a heavily spin-oriented lineup and the debut of Kamran Ghulam, the team will be hoping to regain their winning momentum in the second Test.
Source: Kamran Ghulam replaces Babar; three specialist spinners named for second Multan Test