Pakistan star Babar Azam ‘rested’ for rest of series as England prepare to recall Ben Stokes --[Reported by Umva mag]

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam – as well as high-profile players Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah – have been ‘rested’ for the rest of the Test series against England.

A 16-man squad for the two remaining Tests was announced on Sunday as Pakistan look to respond to a record-breaking defeat at the hands of England in Multan.

Pakistan became the first team in history to lose by an innings after scoring 500 as England racked up more than 800 on their way to a famous victory in the series opener.

The hosts, who are going through a dismal period under Australia legend Jason Gillespie, were expected to ring the changes for the second Test but the decision to leave out Babar, Shaheen and Naseem still came as a surprise.

Babar is regarded as the best Pakistan batter of his generation but has suffered a dramatic dip in form recently and made 30 and 5 in his two innings in the high-scoring series opener.

Shaheen and Naseem, who are also enduring difficult periods of their career, conceded a combined 277 runs in 56 overs.

Explaining Pakistan’s changes for the second and third Tests against England, selector Aaqib Javed said: ‘Selecting the squad for the upcoming Tests against England has been a challenging task for the selectors.

‘We’ve had to carefully consider current player form, the urgency to bounce back in the series and Pakistan’s demanding 2024-25 international schedule.

‘With these factors in mind and in the best interest of Pakistan cricket as well as the players, we’ve made the decision to rest Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

‘We are confident that this break from international cricket will help these players regain their fitness, confidence and composure, ensuring they return in top shape for future challenges.

‘They remain some of our finest talents with much more to contribute to Pakistan cricket. We are fully committed to supporting them during this period so they can come back even stronger.’

Spinner Abrar Ahmed has also been cut from the Pakistan squad after missing the last two days of the first Test through illness.

Pakistan made a strong start in Multan, posting 556 as Shan Masood, Salman Ali Agha and Abdullah Shafique all made centuries.

But England raced past Pakistan’s total and secured a remarkable first-innings lead of 267 thanks to Harry Brook’s sensational 316, Joe Root’s brilliant 262 and contributions from Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett.

A draw still looked the most realistic outcome on a flat pitch but Pakistan crumbled in the final innings to lose by an innings and 47 runs.

Already 1-0 up in the three-match series, England will be boosted by the return of red-ball captain Ben Stokes for a second Test that looks set to be played on the same pitch as the series opener.

Stokes, who has been out since August with a hamstring injury, bowled in the nets on Sunday and coach James Anderson said he was ‘good to go’ for the second Test, which starts on Tuesday.

Chris Woakes looks the most likely to make way for Stokes but England will also see how Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse pulled up from the gruelling first Test.

Asked about Stokes’ fitness, England bowling coach Anderson said: ‘When we’re talking about Ben’s workloads and his bowling, it might play into our hands with that, with the spinners potentially playing more of a part.

‘He looks great. He has worked really hard on his fitness and looking as strong as I’ve ever seen him. He’s had a good bowl in the nets and looks good to go.’

Stokes’ return will see Ollie Pope relinquish the captaincy following four games in charge in which England sealed three wins.

After the second Test in Multan, the two teams travel to Rawalpindi for the third which begins on October 24.

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