Pakistan are overjoyed at present and why not after having ended their winless streak at home. But their problems are far from over. The side made some crucial changes following the loss in PAK vs ENG 1st Test which saw the hosts turnaround the series in a stunning fashion. Pakistan have finally found a solution to play Tests but home. But what about the other big challenge – playing overseas?
Pakistan’s overseas challenge
Pakistan are not scheduled to play a Test series at home until January 2025 when they take on West Indies. Instead, the team will travel to South Africa for a two-match affair in December. They opted for spin friendly pitches for PAK vs ENG 2nd and 3rd Test, as admitted by skipper Shan Masood, and this their decision to recall Sajid Khan and Noman Ali working wonders. The spinner duo went on to wreak havoc on England in Multan and Rawalpindi, single-handedly steering the hosts to a series victory. The changes made to the squad included dropping some big names like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. Meanwhile, other talents who were sidelined earlier were recalled. And their gamble paid off.
However, their problems over their combination for overseas tour still remains unsolved. Barring playing in sub-continental conditions, Pakistan’s pacers have to pull up the socks, something that they haven’t done for a long time now despite the pitches in the country made in a manner to support fast bowlers the most. Another pertinent point is that across the last two Test wins for Pakistan, no pacer managed to take a wicket. And there won’t be one until the series against SA. The two-month break could prove to be a boon or bane for Shaheen Afridi and co. It remains to be seen if the selection committee will recall the senior pacers or if more young quicks would be given chances.
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Batting woes that need attention
Firstly, Pakistan made a sensible call to drop Babar Azam, given his miserable form over the past few years. But how long will they keep the former skipper out? The quality possessed by the star batter is something that Pakistan will need down the line as the side already has issues with the batting order. Will he be recalled for the series against South Africa to address one of the woes plaguing the side?
Next, openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique are a point of concern after failing to fire throughout PAK vs ENG Test series. Although skipper Shan Masood brushed aside the concerns stating the team was happy with the newfound stability and backed the openers to continue in the side. Pakistan will need to find a more viable solution or should hope that both Shafique and Ayub find their touch again.
| Player | PAK vs BAN | PAK vs ENG |
| Abdullah Shafique | 49 | 138 |
| Saim Ayub | 134 | 155 |
Saud Shakeel has been the only standout batter so far, both in the series against Bangladesh and England. The Pakistan vice-captain has been on a century hitting spree and has stepped up on most occasions. Mohammad Rizwan has also played his role decently to an extent. Kamran Ghulam did a fine job with a century in his very first outing after replacing Babar Azam in the XI. The rest of the order, including skipper Shan Masood, have been sub-par with the bat.
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