Pak vs Eng: Babar Azam may be 'rested' for second Test

Pakistan star batter, Babar Azam, is likely to be rested for the second Test between Pakistan and England scheduled to be played from October 15 and 19 in Multan, Geo News reported citing sources.

Insiders said the suggestion to rest "out-of-form" former captain has been given by the selectors due to his below-the-par performance in the first Test match with the English side.

However, no official statement has been made in this regard as the squad for the upcoming game is yet to be announced. 

The squad is expected to see several changes, as per the sources, and the announcement — likely today — will be made after an approval from Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. 

They added that both the Green Shirts and England will practice for the upcoming Test today at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

Moreover, Green Shirts are also likely to include two spinners to the squad and left arm spinner Noman Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan are being considered in this regard.

It may be noted that leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed is going to miss the second Test, as he fell ill and is currently undergoing treatment.

Sources had earlier stated that a fast bowler or batter could also be dropped for the second Test to accommodate the spinners.

Pakistan faced a humiliating defeat in the first Test against England by an innings and 47 runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium on October 11.

In order to stay in the tournament, the Shan Masood-led side must perform well, as their previous performance has badly affected their rankings, with Pakistan now ranked No. 9.