Pakistan Considers Radical Changes for Crucial Second Test Against Bangladesh

In a bid to level the Test series against Bangladesh, Pakistan is contemplating including all-rounder Aamer Jamal and spinner Abrar Ahmed in the second match. After a 10-wicket loss and heavy criticism, Jamal has been called up from the National Cricket Academy, and spinner Abrar from the Pakistan Shaheens squad.

In a desperate bid to level the two-Test series against Bangladesh, Pakistan may gamble with the inclusion of all-rounder Aamer Jamal and spinner Abrar Ahmed in the second match starting Friday.

Following a humiliating 10-wicket defeat that drew widespread criticism, Pakistan's team management has called up Jamal from the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Jamal was released from the squad before the first Test due to fitness issues and was sent to the NCA for rehabilitation. The pacer returned early from his English county stint in June and is now a contender to replace Salman Ali Agha if he gets medical clearance.

The management has also called up spinner Abrar and batsman Kamran Ghulam, who were released earlier to play for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh A in Islamabad. Abrar is expected to replace pacer Muhammad Ali, as the management faced criticism for not having a specialist spinner in the first Test.

The pitch played true until the fourth day, which made the decision to go in with four fast bowlers a strategic mistake. A source close to the team mentioned, "The idea is to strengthen the bowling options by playing Abrar and Jamal, who also bats well and would fit in at number seven instead of Salman Ali Agha."

The rest of the eleven is expected to remain unchanged with Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique opening, followed by Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, and Muhammad Rizwan. Shakeel and Rizwan scored centuries in the first Test.

This was Pakistan's first-ever Test defeat to Bangladesh, compounding the team's recent struggles since last year's Asia Cup. Babar Azam, who failed in both innings of the first Test, slipped six places in the ICC Test batsmen rankings on Wednesday, adding to the pressure.

(With inputs from agencies.)