Chaos After England’s Historic Victory: Will Babar Miss the Second Test? Fakhar Zaman Called to Multan, Ben Stokes’ Return Confirmed
This is major breaking news in the world of cricket. Pakistan is currently playing a Test series against England, with the first match already held in Multan. After a crushing defeat, there’s chaos all around. With the second Test just days away, the team is scrambling to finalize the squad, which must be done today so that the players can begin training tomorrow.
In response to the situation, a new national selection committee has been formed, which includes umpire Aleem Dar, among other members whose details were published yesterday.
Fakhar Zaman called to Multan.
The latest news is that Fakhar Zaman has also been called to Multan. While he’s here for a fitness test, it’s not related to the ongoing Test series against England. In fact, this is another breaking story—Fakhar Zaman has been summoned for discussions regarding Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team for next month’s tour of Australia and Zimbabwe.
According to reliable sources, Fakhar Zaman is being considered for the captaincy of Pakistan’s white-ball team. This is significant news, as the final selection for both the ODI and T20 squads will be made after consulting him.
Pakistani cricketer Fakhar Zaman has consistently impressed across all formats of international cricket with his dynamic performances. In Test cricket, though he’s had limited opportunities, Zaman has made his presence felt with 192 runs from just 3 matches, including a best score of 94. Averaging 32.00, he’s already delivered two half-centuries, showing his ability to stand firm under pressure with a solid strike rate of 53.48.
However, it’s in One Day Internationals (ODIs) where Fakhar truly shines. With 82 matches under his belt, he has amassed an impressive 3,492 runs at an average of 46.56. His unforgettable 210* remains a monumental achievement in cricket history. Known for his aggressive yet calculated approach, Fakhar’s strike rate of 93.44, along with 11 centuries and 16 fifties, has made him a pillar in Pakistan’s ODI squad. His knack for finding boundaries, with 391 fours and 74 sixes, only strengthens his reputation as a reliable and exciting opener.
In T20 Internationals, Fakhar has also made significant contributions. Over 92 matches, he’s accumulated 1,848 runs with an average of 22.81 and a powerful strike rate of 132.94. While he hasn’t yet reached a century, his 11 fifties and ability to smash 172 fours and 76 sixes make him a game-changer in the shortest format. Fakhar’s fearless style and consistent performances have solidified his role as a key player in Pakistan’s T20 lineup.
Meanwhile, other players called up for the Multan Test include Imam-ul-Haq, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, and Nauman Ali. Reports also suggest that Zahid Mahmood has been summoned. Both Zahid Mahmood and Nauman Ali were dropped from the squad on the first day of the previous Test, so all eyes will be on what happens next at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Also Read:Practice Schedule Announced for Second Test After England’s Historic Victory
Will Babar Miss the Second Test?
There’s also speculation in the media that Babar Azam might be rested for the second Test, with Kamran Ghulam likely to replace him in the squad. Sources suggest that Imam-ul-Haq could also get a chance, potentially replacing Saeem Ayub in the lineup.
It’s worth noting that Babar Azam hasn’t scored a fifty in his last 18 Test innings across nine matches. In the first Test in Multan, he managed scores of just 30 and 5.
Ben Stokes’ Availability for the Second Test Decided
In more breaking news, the decision about whether Ben Stokes will play in the second Test between Pakistan and England, starting on Tuesday, 15 October, has almost been finalized. The key question remains who might replace him, and what kind of pitch will be prepared.
England appears ready to make at least one change for the second Test, and Stokes is likely to return. He has been out due to injury since early August, during which time Brydon Carse made his Test debut. Carse’s impressive performance with the ball in the first Test makes him hard to drop. Meanwhile, off-spinner Shoaib Bashir struggled, recording match figures of 1-156 from 38 overs, which weakens his position in the team.
Also Read:Shan Masood took a dig at bowlers after shameful loss in Multan.
“A Look Back at Multan Cricket Ground: Where Exceptional Bowlers Shine.
Since the Multan ground opened in 2001, seven Test matches have been played here, with only three bowlers—Abrar Ahmed, Danish Kaneria, and Anil Kumble—managing to take five wickets in an innings. England has a leg-spinner in their squad, Rehan Ahmed, who took 5-48 on his Test debut against Pakistan.
Pitch information.
As for the pitch, it still has some grass on it. Pakistan is expected to prepare a surface similar to that used in the first Test.
