Selectors to make colossal changes to Pakistan squad for 2nd Test after opening match humiliation

Pakistan Cricket Board is reportedly set to make a few changes to the Pakistan squad after the humiliating defeat in the recently concluded first Test against England. The Shan Masood-led side ended up suffering an embarrassing innings defeat even after posting a 550-plus total in the first innings.

England thrashed Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs to take the lead in the three-match series. Batting first on a flat pitch, Pakistan piled up 556 runs in their first innings. Captain Shan Masood led from the front by scoring 151 runs while the likes of Abdullah Shafique and Agha Salman scored centuries as well.

In reply, England scored a mammoth total of 823/7 (declared). Harry Brook and Joe Root starred with the bat for the visitors. While Brook scored a triple-century, Root scored a double-ton. Brook was out for 217 runs while Root scored 262.

With England ending their first innings on day four, a draw looked like the most probable result. However, Pakistan's batters came up with a disastrous effort in the second innings. England managed to reduce them to 82 for 6 even before the end of the fourth day. On the final day, Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 220 runs.

Changes in the Pakistan squad for the 2nd PAK vs ENG Test:

As per reports in Cricket Pakistan, the Pakistan squad is likely to have new additions ahead of the second Test. The Pakistan squad for the forthcoming second Test is set to be announced on Saturday (October 12).

The report stated that out-of-favour batsman Imam-ul-Haq and uncapped player Kamran Ghulam are expected to be included in the Pakistan squad. Kamran has played just one ODI so far for Pakistan and is yet to make his debut in the longest format of the game.

However, he has ample experience of playing red-ball cricket. A left-arm spin bowling allrounder, Kamran has played 59 first-class games so far and has scored 4377 runs with the help of 16 centuries and 20 half-centuries. He has also picked up 28 wickets. Kamran recently impressed in the Champions One-Day Cup by scoring two centuries.

On the other hand, Imam has not played any Test for Pakistan since December last year. In fact, he is yet to play any game for Pakistan this year. Last month, he impressed in the Champions One-Day Cup as well by scoring three fifties in a row.

Pakistan could also recall left-arm spinner Noman Ali as Abrar Ahmed is doubtful for the second Test after falling ill during the first Test. Noman played the last of his 15 Tests in July last year during the tour of Sri Lanka.