Pakistan pacer Hassan Ali followed Fakhar Zaman's way to extend support to the axed trio of Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, who have been left out of Pakistan's squad for the last two Tests against England. Babar has struggled for form in Tests since last year, managing just 366 runs at an average of 20.33.

Babar hasn't been able to score a fifty in his last 18 innings, with his most recent notable innings coming on December 26, 2022, when he hit 161 on Day 1 of the first Test against New Zealand in Karachi.

In Pakistan's heavy loss by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test against Multan, Babar was dismissed for just 30 and 5 in his two innings, continuing his poor run of form. But what came as a surprise in Pakistan's squad was the axing of Shaheen and Naseem.

"Tough times only make comebacks sweeter! My brothers, you're champions! You've done wonders for Pakistan and will continue to do so," Hassan Ali tweeted.

Former Pakistan skipper Babar was dropped on Sunday, while the pace duo of Shaheen and Naseem reportedly opted to withdraw from the remaining two Tests against England.

"Taking into consideration the current form and fitness of key players and looking ahead to Pakistan’s future assignments in the 2024-25 international cricket season, the selectors have decided to give rest to Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Shah Afridi," a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board said.

"Abrar Ahmed (who is recovering from dengue fever) was unavailable for selection," the statement added.

According to a report in PTI, Shaheen and Naseem withdrew themselves from the ongoing series on Sunday morning, citing niggles. The former has faced difficulties with form, being rested or dropped for the second Test against Bangladesh last month and for the final Test in Sydney in January.

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