Pakistan is poised to undergo substantial alterations to its lineup for the second Test against Australia in Melbourne on December 26. Insider information suggests that, due to injuries, paceman Khurram Shahzad, wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed, and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf are set to sit out the upcoming match.
Sarfaraz, who faced challenges in the initial Test with a meager score of seven runs and missed opportunities as a wicketkeeper, is expected to be replaced by Mohammad Rizwan.
Faheem Ashraf, who delivered a moderate performance in Perth, may be replaced by spinner Sajid Khan, with either Mir Hamza or Hasan Ali potentially stepping in for the injured Khurram Shahzad.
Khurram Shahzad, who made his Test debut in the previous match and claimed five wickets, is ruled out for the remainder of the series due to a stress fracture and abdominal muscle tear.
Read more:Pakistan’s Test Heartbreak: All Out for 89, Australia Triumphs
Pakistan suffered a significant defeat in the first Test, collapsing to 89 runs in the fourth innings while chasing a target of 450. Additionally, the team faced penalties for a slow over-rate, resulting in a fine and the deduction of two ICC World Test Championship points.
In preparation for the second Test, Pakistan intends to engage in a two-day practice match against Victoria on December 22-23. The Australian squad for the upcoming match boasts notable players like Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and David Warner. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s squad, under the leadership of Shan Masood, includes key players such as Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
The team is determined to rebound from its disappointing performance in the first Test and aims to deliver a stronger performance in the second installment of the three-Test series.
