Fawad Alam likely to play second Test against England

By Muhammad YaseenPublished On 06 Jan 2023

Southampton: Pakistan are likely to induct nation’s top domestic performer, Fawad Alam against England at The Rose Bowl in Southampton.

According to sources, Fawad will replace leg-spinner Shadab Khan in the playing XI. Shadab scored 45 and 15 runs respectively in both the innings of the first Test in Manchester. He picked two wickets in the first innings but was wicketless in the second.

The 34-year-old Fawad has only played three Tests and has scored 250 runs. He scored 168 against Sri Lanka on his debut in Colombo in July 2009. Fawad last played against New Zealand in Dunedin in November 2009.

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Former captain Wasim Akram also said that the team management should include Fawad. “In the next match, you will not find a turning wicket. You will play with one spinner and you will have to go with an extra batsman. If I was the captain, I would include Fawad Alam in the middle order,” he said.

It must be noted that Pakistan lost series opener by three wickets at Old Trafford. Pakistan have reached Southampton where the remaining two Tests will be played of the three-match series.