Pakistan's Key Changes for England Tests After Windies Win
Despite leveling the series, Pakistan must tweak their batting order to challenge England.
Pakistan's eight-wicket victory in the second Test against West Indies saved them from a series defeat, but the 1-1 draw exposed several concerns. With the three-match Test series in England starting from August 19, captain Babar Azam's side needs to address these issues to compete under Joe Root's renewed leadership.
The most pressing change involves the batting order. Abdullah Shafique, who replaced the injured Shan Masood, impressed with a Player-of-the-Match performance in the second Test, scoring an unbeaten 160. However, Shafique batted at No. 3, while his natural position is as an opener. With Masood likely fit for the England series, Pakistan should restore him to No. 3 and promote Shafique to the top.
Masood's extensive experience in English county cricket with Derbyshire, Yorkshire, and Leicestershire makes him invaluable in these conditions. His knowledge of the pitches and local nuances could be decisive. To accommodate both players, Pakistan must drop someone from the current top order, a difficult but necessary decision for a formidable lineup.