By the time you read this, the first day of the first Test between Pakistan and England at Lord’s would have already taken place, perhaps giving you more than an idea of where the match might be headed. At the time of writing, however, Pakistan’s final warm-up match against Leicestershire has been completed, with there being more than just a couple of encouraging signs for the visitors.
Pakistan scored 321-9 against Leicestershire, with three of the batsmen who weren’t among the runs against Ireland – two of whom weren’t even in the starting 11 – getting half centuries. Possibly the most important of these fifties was the 73 scored by Azhar Ali, who hadn’t scored many runs throughout the tour so far. Azhar’s 121-run opening stand with Fakhar Zaman also gave his younger opening partner the chance to impress before Usman Salahuddin scored 69* to further remind everyone why he was selected for the tour.
Mohammad Abbas
These performances would have put the team management and captain Sarfraz Ahmed in a bit of a fix as to the composition of the starting 11. Having edged out Ireland, there might be an inclination towards going with the same line-up, but considering the completely contrasting proposition that England would be – and the fact that Pakistan could only edge out the match against Ireland – there might be an argument for Pakistan to go with seven batsmen and four bowlers.
Had Babar Azam not scored that half-century in the fourth innings against Ireland, his place could have been under jeopardy considering his string of low scores in Tests. As things stand, none of the five specialist batsmen that played against Ireland look likely to be dropped.
Shadab Khan
A combination of seven batsmen and four bowlers could allow Fakhar Zaman or Usman Salahuddin to be slotted in, which would be in place of Faheem Ashraf in all likelihood despite his batting performance in his opening Test innings.
Even so, while the team would have obviously taken the field by the time you read this, what is going to be important over the next few days is how the selected players take on one of the toughest challenges in Tests – beating England in England, or even not losing to them.
Pakistan haven’t won a Test series in England since 1996. Two years ago, the Misbah-ul-Haq-led side – arguably one of the greatest Pakistani Test sides ever – managed a hard fought 2-2 draw beginning with a memorable win at Lord’s.
Azhar Ali
It’s obvious that the current team falls short of the one that toured England in pretty much every department.
Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan have retired, while Yasir Shah is missing the tour through injury. This has thrown youngsters like Shadab Khan, Imam-ul-Haq and even Babar Azam to very deep end of the sport, and given them the chance to become heroes and make their mark on Test cricket early on in their careers.
Even so, for Pakistan to make their mark in the Test series against England, it is perhaps the more established stars who might need to steer them home.
Asad Shafiq
Azhar Ali cannot afford a no-show, and should feel more confident after being back among the runs. Asad Shafiq is getting runs as well, and he too would be critical to hold the middle-order together. Sarfraz Ahmed is under the spotlight as well for his performances as a batsman – or lack thereof.
In the bowling, while Muhammad Abbas is fast becoming Pakistan’s leading pacer in Tests, all eyes would be on Mohammed Amir to deliver once again at a venue where he has experienced the most contrasting of emotions. Shadab Khan could be the wild card to trouble England, if he gets a look in on the fourth or fifth day.
So yes, it’s a mountain to climb, but the current Pakistani squad is a mixture of mountaineers who have done it all before, and those who can’t wait to start climbing.
