LIVE | Pakistan v England, 2nd Test - Day 1
Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and decided to bat on Tuesday in the second Test against England in Multan.
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Wasim Akram Reacts As England Great Tears Into Pakistan Cricket Board Over Babar Azam Snub
Coaches have changed, captains have changed, players have changed, selectors have changed, even board chairmen have changed but Pakistan cricket's problems remain the same. A fresh change in the Pakistan Cricket Board's selection committee was unrolled after the team lost the opening Test against England. Ahead of the second Test, the team management even decided to bench the likes of Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah. However, England great Nasser Hussan doesn't feel these players to be blamed for Pakistan team's current crisis.
"Absolutely Stupid": England Great Loses It As Pakistan Drop Babar Azam
The Pakistan Cricket Board's newly-appointed selection committee stunned the entire cricketing fraternity with the decision to drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah from the team ahead of the 2nd Test against England. Though the trio's form has been a concern of late, the fact that Pakistan would drop their best batter Babar Azam, was incomprehensible to many. Former England captain Michael Vaughan was one of those who questioned the baffling decision, calling it 'stupidty' from the Pakistan selection committee.
"That's Pakistan Cricket...": Ben Stokes Responds To Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi's Snub Question
England captain Ben Stokes is set to make his return to competitive cricket after two months during the second Test against Pakistan in Multan, starting October 15. Stokes, who had picked up a hamstring injury while playing in the hundred, was named in England's playing XI for the second game at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The 33-year-old bowled and batted without any discomfort in the nets in the lead up to the match. In his absence, Ollie Pope led England to a big win in the series-opener last week.
Pakistan vs England Live Streaming 2nd Test Live Telecast: When And Where To Watch
Pakistan vs England Live Streaming 2nd Test: With several eyeballs on them following the decision to drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, a beleaguered Pakistan will take on England in the second Test, hoping to kickstart a comeback in the series. Shan Masood's side suffered by a humiliating defeat in the first Test, as they lost by an innings despite posting a total of 556 in the first innings. Now without a win in their last 11 home Test matches, Pakistan have a mountain to climb. On the other hand, England captain Ben Stokes is set to return to action.
Pakistan Name Spin Trio For Second England Test
Pakistan named three spinners in their team for the second Test against England starting on Tuesday as they chase a series-levelling win on a re-used Multan stadium pitch. The hosts made four changes from the side beaten by an innings in the first Test, including bringing in batsman Kamran Ghulam for his debut. The 29-year-old has performed well in domestic cricket, having set a national record of 1,249 runs in the 2020-21 season. The spin bowling will be handled by left-armer Noman Ali, leg-break bowler Zahid Mahmood and off-spinner Sajid Khan, all brought into the side.
Watch: Babar Azam Gets Comforted By Coach Jason Gillespie, Skipper Shan Masood After Being Dropped
Pakistan stalwart Babar Azam finally paid the price of his poor form, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selection committee deciding to drop form the squad for the second Test against England. Babar, who has been in the line of fire over inconsistent performances for more than a year, was backed by his skipper Shan Masood to bounce back, being the team's "best batter", but he found no place in the XI for the second Test. In a video that has surfaced on social media, Babar could be seen engaging in an intense chat with head coach Jason Gillespie before being comforted by him and assistant coach Azar Mahmood.
Pakistan Star's Post On Dropped Babar Azam Leaves PCB Fuming: Report
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not pleased that Fakhar Zaman questioned the selection panel's decision to sideline Babar Azam from the Test side. The panel dropped former captain Babar Azam when they announced the squad for the remaining two Tests against England in Multan and Rawalpindi. Zaman took to X to question the decision, inviting the ire of the PCB. "The top board officials are not pleased with the tweet sent out by Fakhar and relevant persons are having a word with him about it," a well-informed PCB source said. "It's concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn't bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively.