Shaheen rested, extra spinner in? Probable changes Pakistan could make for 2nd Test vs SA

Pakistan probable changes [Source: AFP Photo]

The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Lahore was done and dusted inside 4 days, and now the caravan shifts towards the second Test match, as the two teams will collide in Rawalpindi. The hosts lead, 1-0, and another win will help their WTC finale ambitions.

The Pakistan side was ruthless in the first Test match against the South African team, as they had almost all the bases covered. Noman Ali ran riot with the ball as the visitors had no clue how to play quality spin-bowling. However, despite an emphatic win, the Pakistan side will look to make a couple of changes for the second Test.

Possible changes Pakistan could make for second Test match

Masood to open, Ghulam to replace Shafique?

Abdullah Shafique has been a flop show for Pakistan in recent times, and despite a gritty 41 in the second innings of the Lahore Test, his place is in jeopardy. The batters’ weakness against incoming deliveries was exploited by Rabada in the first innings, and perhaps Pakistan might be tempted to try out someone else in his position.

(Shafique in Tests in 2024)

• This year, he has only played a solitary Test, but in 2024, the right-handed batter struggled for runs and scored only 174 runs with an average of 15.82. Perhaps the team could bring Kamran Ghulam back in the side at number 3, and captain Shan Masood could be promoted to the top. Masood looked in ominous touch in the first Test, and he could be a top-order solution.

Shaheen to rest?

The first Test in Lahore witnessed a spin-friendly surface, and expect something on similar lines as Pakistan will prepare a graveyard for the Proteas batters. If another spin-friendly wicket is prepared, Shaheen Afridi, the premium pacer, could be rested.

In the last few months, Pakistan has tried to carefully manage his workload, and on a pitch that might have no use for the pacers, Shaheen could be rested, and the management could bring in an extra spinner.

Who could replace Afridi?

One Afridi could replace another Afridi, as Asif Afridi, the 38-year-old spinner, could replace Shaheen in the playing XI. Pakistan has installed heavy fans to dry the Rawalpindi surface, and this would mean more help for the spinners. With Noman Ali and Sajid Khan in the playing XI, Pakistan might be tempted to include Afridi in the side.

(Asif Afridi FC stats)

• 198 wickets in 57 matches define his first-class journey. He could add another layer to the Pakistan attack and should be brought in to terrorise the Proteas batters.

Pakistan probable XI for second Test

Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (c), Kamran Ghulam, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hasan Ali, Asif Afridi, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan

---

ALSO READ

Babar's T20I return still possible; report claims Naseem's inclusion in PAK squad for SA series

---