The Pakistan cricket team’s struggle continues as they gear up for the second test against England, commencing on October 15 in Multan. Following a steep loss in the first test, there are strong indications that Babar Azam, the team’s captain, may be excluded from the lineup. This decision comes after much deliberation within Pakistan’s newly formed selection committee, which is now contemplating significant changes to the squad.
The New Selection Committee’s Dilemma
In the wake of Pakistan’s disheartening defeat in the first test, the selection committee convened for two critical meetings: the first in Lahore last Friday and the second in Multan the following Saturday. Both meetings brought together committee members along with Test team captain Shan Masood and head coach Jason Gillespie. The central focus of discussion was Babar Azam’s position in the team.
While some committee members voiced their support for Babar, a prevailing sentiment emerged, advocating for his exclusion from the upcoming match. The debate underscores the urgency for the team to address poor performance as they aim to recover from their current slump.
Babar Azam’s Form Under Scrutiny
Unfortunately for Babar, his recent form has raised several concerns. Over the past two years, his performance has been inconsistent, with 2023 proving particularly challenging. In nine Test matches this year, he managed to accumulate a mere average of 21 runs. Alarmingly, he has not registered a single half-century since December 2022, a worrying statistic for someone in his leadership position.
In the first test against England, Babar’s contribution was limited to just 35 runs across two innings, further aggravating his case and heightening the likelihood of a team reshuffle. With intense scrutiny on his batting, the committee faces the tough decision of whether to bench their captain or provide him with another opportunity to regain form.
Future Implications: The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy
As the selectors ponder the future of Babar Azam in the team for the second test, another question looms: will he participate in the upcoming Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, set to commence on October 20? Babar has not played first-class cricket since 2019, making his potential involvement even more crucial for gaining much-needed match practice and confidence.
The outcome of the second test will significantly influence not only Babar’s immediate future with the national team but also his potential availability for domestic tournaments. With Pakistan having lost six consecutive Test matches, they find themselves in a precarious position on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, amplifying the stakes for the team as they strive to turn their fortunes around on home soil.
In concluding this challenging chapter, the Pakistan cricket team must navigate not only the selection intricacies but also the expectations of fans and stakeholders who hope to see a resurgence in performance. The looming pressure appears to be a pivotal moment for Babar Azam and the entire team.
