ENG vs PAK: 2nd Test Preview – Onus on Azhar Ali’s men to fight back

Pakistan dominated the first Test against England for a good measure. The visitors clinched a 107-run lead after the first innings at the Old Trafford. Defending a total of 277 runs, they had caught England in a spot of bother at 117/5. From there, they let the hosts off the hook as Jos Buttler and Chris Woakes staged a solid partnership. Woakes with his 84 not out completed a glorious victory for England and secured a 1-0 lead. Azhar Ali, who was severely criticised for his passive tactics, will have a point to prove when he takes the field along with his men at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton.

Match Info

England vs Pakistan: 2nd Test – 13th to 17th August

The Ageas Bowl, Southampton (03:30 PM IST)

The pitch at Southampton tends to be on the slower side and it did not deteriorate a lot in England’s first Test against West Indies. The larger threat, as always in England, is of the weather. The forecast predicts the chances of rain on all five days. The chances are above 60% on all the scheduled days.

Head To Head:

Key Facts To Look Out For:

Team News

England:

England’s ace all-rounder Ben Stokes left the series to be with his family for personal reasons. This will allow Zak Crawley a place back in the playing XI. The batsman had been left out to accommodate another bowling option as Stokes was unable to bowl. England will be worried over Anderson’s lack of wickets in the first Test. With Mark Wood and Sam Curran on the bench, the management will be tempted to infuse some fresh energy in this Test match.

Pakistan:

Although Pakistan ended up on the losing side in the first match, they had dominated a major part of it. The visitors are unlikely to make too many changes to their setup. Most likely, their choices will circle around the spot of Shadab Khan. The management will have to consider whether to persist with their strategy of playing with two spinners or opt for Faheem Ashraf in place of Shadab. The final decision will be taken on depending on the pitch and weather conditions.

Probable XI