Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat to England in the first Test at Multan Cricket Stadium. After a shambolic show against Bangladesh, Pakistan did well with the bat and scored 556 in the first innings, with Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, and Agha Salman scoring centuries. The hosts would have hoped for a better result after a strong show with the bat but the team was left reeling after a brutal onslaught by Joe Root (262) and Harry Brook (317) that saw England post 823-7.

Pakistan succumbed to pressure in the second innings as they were bowled out for 220, losing the game by an innings and 47 runs. This was the first instance of a team losing a game by an innings after scoring 500+ runs in the first innings. This was Pakistan's sixth consecutive defeat in Test cricket and seventh in nine matches at home.

The defeat also ended all hopes of the WTC final for Pakistan. Pakistan had a great chance to qualify for the final as they were scheduled to play five out of the last 7 Tests at home, however, they lost to Bangladesh 2-0 before losing to England to end all hopes.

There is still a lot at stake for Pakistan in terms of the series and they would like to win the final two Tests and revive Pakistan's lost supremacy. It won't be easy though. Pakistan could make a plethora of changes to the XI for the second Test. While the squad for the final two Tests is not yet announced, we don't see the selectors making a lot of changes in the 15-member squad, however, there could be a few changes in the XI.

Babar Azam's form has been a concern and the calls to give Babar a break are on the rise. Mohammad Huraia, who is the second youngest to score a triple ton in domestic cricket for Pakistan, and is the newphew of Shoaib Malik, can be given a slot in the team, however, it is unlikely Pakistan would have the courage to drop Babar Azam. Huraira instead could take place for Saim Ayub, who has looked ordinary.

Pakistan could bolster their spin attack if they plan to prepare a spin friendly deck for the second Test. In that case, Noman Ali, who last played in July 2023, could come in place of Shaheen Afridi. If they want to play three pacers, Noman can come in place of Abrar.

Pakistan's Likely XI For The Second Test: Saim Ayub/Mohammad Huraira, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Aamer Jamal, Shaheen Afridi/Noman Ali, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

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