Pakistan pin hopes on Babar’s return

The Pakistan team arrived at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium amid heavy downpours on Friday, ahead of their second and final Test against hosts Bangladesh starting tomorrow.

After waiting in vain for the rain to subside, they were forced to complete their practice session indoors. Currently trailing in the series following a heavy defeat in the opener in Mirpur, the lack of outdoor training has only added to the visitors’ discomfort.

However, the return of Babar Azam has provided a silver lining, with the premier batter fit and ready to play as Pakistan look to bounce back from a precarious position.

Babar was sidelined by a knee injury on the eve of the first Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. Having recovered during the course of that match, he was seen batting at full tilt in the nets on Friday.

His return, however, presents a selection dilemma. Abdullah Fazl, the young debutant who filled his spot, scored fifties in both innings in Mirpur, while fellow debutant Azan Awais struck a century in the first innings. With the team struggling, the management faces a difficult decision in dropping players who are among the runs.

While Pakistan coach Sarfaraz Ahmed did not reveal the final XI, it is understood that opener Imam-ul-Haq, who has failed to score a half-century in his last five innings, may be benched to accommodate Babar. In that scenario, Shan Masood -- who opened early in his career -- could move back up the order.

Masood himself is under scrutiny. Former cricketers have questioned his place in the side, while his captaincy has come under fire after Pakistan lost 11 of their 15 Tests under his leadership.

Addressing the criticism, Sarfaraz said with a smile: “You talk about criticism of our senior players? It is nothing new for us. We all know that if we are not playing good cricket, criticism will come. We are not worried about social media; our focus is to play the next match.”

Despite the 104-run defeat to Bangladesh, Sarfaraz insisted the dressing room atmosphere remains positive as they look to move past the bitter memories of the first Test.

“At the moment, the atmosphere is fine. Of course, as a team, we are disappointed after the first Test, but the past is the past. We are not talking about it anymore; we are focused on the next match, and Insha’Allah we will bounce back,” the former Pakistan captain added.

It is not just the batting; Pakistan’s bowling was also lacklustre in the series opener. Aside from Mohammad Abbas, none of the bowlers troubled the hosts, with concerns raised over the lack of pace from the frontline seamers.

There are discussions about bringing in Khurram Shahzad in place of either Shaheen Shah Afridi or Hasan Ali. Additionally, with an abundance of left-handers in the Bangladesh lineup, the visitors may consider off-spinner Sajid Khan over left-arm spinner Noman Ali.

Sarfaraz expects the senior players to shoulder greater responsibility.

“We sat down and discussed all these points as a team after arriving here. I am hopeful the senior players will take responsibility, and Insha’Allah, when such situations arise again, they will pull the team out of it,” he said.