Babar Azam (R) & Pakistan Cricket Team (Source: AFP Photos)
Pakistan, who had somehow managed to level the series in the West Indies recently, will play Test matches once again from August 19 onwards. This time, the opposition will be newly-looked England, with Joe Root being back as their captain.
With double injury setbacks from Shan Masood and Babar Azam, Pakistan had to deal with quite a few challenges during the recent 3-Day Warm-up match against Professional County Club Select XI, which took place at Kent County Cricket Ground, Beckenham from August 13.
Now, the first Test of the three-match Test series all set to get underway between Pakistan and England at Headingley, Leeds, let’s take a look at how Pakistan’s probable XI vs England will look like.
Openers & Top Order: Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Abdullah Shafique
Pakistan should rely more on experience than youngsters, and thus, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, in all likelihood, will keep their places.
On the other hand, Azan Awais was set to be excluded from the playing XI due to his recent woes in the warm-up match, but Babar Azam's injury might have saved his place in the playing XI.
Abdullah Shafique, meanwhile, has been in the form of his life of late ever since making his return to the national set-up for the second Test West Indies Tests.
Middle-Order & Wicket-Keeper: Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha(c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
Even though Shan Masood did not bat during the warm-up match, it was reported earlier that he is fit to play Pakistan vs England 1st Test.
On the other hand, Babar Azam too was doubtful for the Test, and his inclusion was subject to fitness. However, on the eve of the first Test, coach Sarfaraz Ahmed revealed that Babar has been ruled out of the game, and Salman Agha will lead the side.
Moreover, courtesy of an unbeaten century in the warm-up match, Saud Shakeel is expected to be back at his preferred No. 5 position. He will be followed by Salman Ali Agha, who has a lot to prove in red-ball cricket.
Also Read: Shan Masood Gives Pakistan Massive Boost Before England Tests
For wicket-keeping duties, Mohammad Rizwan, in all likelihood, will take up the big gloves. That means Ghazi Ghori might have to wait for his Test debut for a little longer.
Bowlers: Sajid Khan, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali
Keeping Headingley’s pace-friendly conditions in mind, Pakistan, despite Ali Usman’s five-wicket haul in the warm-up match, might play only Sajid Khan as designated spin bowling option. For part-time work, Salman Ali Agha is already there.
The pace attack will consist of Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, although Ubaid Shah could get a nod ahead of Khurram as well.
Pakistan's Probable XI vs England For 1st Test
Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha (C), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Sajid Khan, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali
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