Rizwan, Salman set to retain places for crucial Lord's Test

Summary LONDON: Pakistan are reportedly set to retain experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha for the second Test against England at Lord's, despite intense scrutiny following the team's heavy defeat in Leeds. However, Babar indicated before the match that Salman was his preferred option alongside Ali Usman as the second spin option, making a change in that department less certain. With Babar returning, Rizwan and Salman expected to retain their places, and possible changes in the bowling attack, Pakistan will hope a revised combination can prevent England from taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. AI Generated Summary LONDON: Pakistan are reportedly set to retain experienced wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Salman Ali Agha for the second Test against England at Lord's, despite intense scrutiny following the team's heavy defeat in Leeds. Pakistan were beaten by an innings and 103 runs in the opening Test, with their batting collapsing twice as England's bowlers dominated the match. The defeat has prompted questions over the selection of several senior players ahead of the second Test, which begins on Thursday. There had been speculation that Pakistan's team management could replace Rizwan with uncapped wicketkeeper Muhammad Ghazi Ghori. Salman, meanwhile, was also considered vulnerable after captaining the side in Babar Azam's absence in Leeds. However, according to reports, both experienced players are expected to feature in Pakistan's 11 at Lord's. Rizwan, 34, has played 46 Tests for Pakistan, while the 32-year-old Salman has appeared in 28. Their experience is expected to be considered important as Pakistan attempt to recover from the first-Test setback. Babar's return from injury is set to bring another significant change. Saud Shakeel, who scored only five and 14 in Leeds, is reportedly likely to make way for the returning captain. Babar missed the opening Test after suffering a hand injury during Pakistan's warm-up match. He has since returned to training and was considered fit enough to make his comeback at Lord's. The Pakistan camp has also considered strengthening its spin department. Sajid Khan, who has taken 77 wickets in 16 Tests, was viewed as a possible second spinner after left-arm spinner Ali Usman produced an impressive five-wicket haul in Leeds. However, Babar indicated before the match that Salman was his preferred option alongside Ali Usman as the second spin option, making a change in that department less certain. Another possible alteration could see young fast bowler Ubaid Shah enter the playing XI in place of Khurram Shahzad. Ubaid made his Test debut against the West Indies in Port of Spain earlier this month and remains part of Pakistan's plans for the England tour. Pakistan have fond memories of Lord's, having beaten England at the historic venue in both 2016 and 2018. The PCB says Pakistan have won five Tests at Lord's overall, giving the visitors reason to believe they can produce a turnaround. For Pakistan, however, the challenge is considerable. England's bowling attack dismantled their batting in Leeds, dismissing them for 171 in the first innings and 135 in the second. With Babar returning, Rizwan and Salman expected to retain their places, and possible changes in the bowling attack, Pakistan will hope a revised combination can prevent England from taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. The Lord's Test therefore carries far greater significance than a routine second match. For Pakistan, it is an opportunity to answer the criticism, restore confidence and keep the three-Test series alive.