Pakistan cricket team expected to make changes for Lord's Test

Following a heavy defeat by 101 runs in the first Test at Leeds, the Pakistan national cricket team is expected to undergo significant changes for the second Test at Lord's, scheduled to begin on August 26 or 27.

Captain Babar Azam is expected to return to the lineup after recovering from a finger injury that sidelined him during the first match. His return may result in the exclusion of opener Azan Awais. Other potential changes include the possible inclusion of former captain Shan Masood or Abdullah Shafique as openers, and the return of off-spinner Sajid Khan, which might necessitate dropping middle-order batter Saud Shakeel.

In the bowling department, pace bowler Ubaid Shah is a likely candidate to replace Khurram Shahzad. Due to anticipated dry conditions at Lord's, management may opt for a strategy involving two spinners. The team faces intense scrutiny following the first Test, with British media outlets describing the current squad as one of the weakest in 50 years, citing deficiencies in batting quality, bowling pace, and fielding.