Babar Azam set to be sidelined for second England Test

Pakistan's cricketing sensation Babar Azam is likely to be dropped from the squad for the second Test against England in Multan. The hosts who are coming off a crushing defeat in the first Test will need to make some tough calls before going in for the next match.

The newly formed selection committee, which gathered in Lahore shortly after Pakistan's innings loss to England in Multan, has recommended Babar's omission. 

The star batter has been struggling to find his form in red-ball cricket. His last Test half-century dates back to December 2022. The decision is caused by his poor form over the past year. The selection panel, including cricket luminaries and experts, believes that time away from the national side might benefit the batter as he is struggling with his form.

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Shaheen Afridi to be sidelined for the second Test

Pakistan's Test captain, Shan Masood, had publicly backed the Lahore-born following the first Test defeat, calling him "Pakistan's best batter" and voiced for player continuity. Head coach Jason Gillespie also had a similar belief but behind closed doors, the selectors have opted for a different approach.

Babar's recent performances have been far from his stellar record between November 2019 and the end of 2022, where he averaged nearly 62 in 25 Test matches.

The selection committee is also considering alterations in the bowling department, with spinner Abrar Ahmed unlikely to recover in time and fast bowler Shaheen Afridi's form under scrutiny. After the defeat against the Three Lions in the first tie, the Men in Green slipped to the last position of the World Test Championship points table with 16 points and a PCT of 16.67.