In a major shake-up following Pakistan‘s dismal efficiency within the first Take a look at in opposition to England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the shocking resolution to drop three of its star gamers – Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah – from the squad for the remaining two Exams. The PCB cited issues over the gamers’ poor type and health as the explanations behind this drastic transfer. Whereas there had been rising requires adjustments within the staff after the Bangladesh sequence defeat, few anticipated such a daring step from the PCB, significantly in the midst of a high-stakes sequence in opposition to England.
Viral video: Emotional Babar Azam comforted by Jason Gillespie, Shan Masood
Amidst this, A heartfelt second involving Babar Azam lately surfaced on-line, exhibiting the Pakistani batter visibly distressed after his exclusion from the Take a look at squad. Within the viral video, head coach Jason Gillespie, assistant coach Azhar Mahmood and captain Shan Masood had been seen consoling Babar, who appeared shaken by the choice. Though the content material of their dialog stays unclear, it was obvious that Babar was emotionally impacted by his removing from the facet. Gillespie and Mahmood had been seen providing assist and reassurance to the participant, suggesting the load of the scenario for the gifted right-hander.
Right here’s the video:
Appears like Jason Glipssie, Azhar Mahmood and Shan Masood will not be pleased with the exclusion of Babar Azam… pic.twitter.com/9EOekbTrR8
— Hassan Abbasian (@HassanAbbasian) October 13, 2024
Additionally READ: Ben Stokes returns as England title enjoying XI for the second Take a look at in opposition to Pakistan
Babar’s decline in type: A rising concern
Babar’s struggles with the bat in Take a look at cricket have been well-documented. Since his stellar innings of 161 in opposition to England in Karachi in December 2022, Babar’s efficiency has plummeted. Over the course of his final 9 Exams, he has accrued simply 366 runs at a worrying common of 20.33. His drop in type has coincided with twice stepping down from the captaincy inside a yr, including additional strain on his shoulders. Pakistan’s extended stoop, which incorporates six consecutive Take a look at defeats and an 11-match winless streak on house soil, has positioned even larger scrutiny on Babar’s function inside the staff.
Pakistan’s struggles in opposition to a dominant England
Pakistan’s first Take a look at in opposition to England was a catastrophe, shedding by an innings and 47 runs regardless of posting over 500 runs of their first innings. With two Exams nonetheless remaining within the sequence, Pakistan faces a monumental job to show their fortunes round. England, brimming with confidence after their dominant efficiency, will probably be a formidable problem. Pakistan’s squad might want to regroup and make essential tactical changes in the event that they hope to keep away from a sequence whitewash. Nevertheless, given England’s momentum and Pakistan’s ongoing struggles, the highway forward appears extremely difficult for the staff.
Additionally READ: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi dropped as Pakistan title squad for the 2nd and third Take a look at in opposition to England
PAK vs ENG [WATCH]: Jason Gillespie, Shan Masood console Babar Azam after his omission from the remaining England Exams
