Pakistan head coach, Misbah-ul-Haq, has hinted that Pakistan might drop oneof the spinners in the second Test match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Thedecision regarding the team selection will be based on the condition of thepitch.

Misbah said that despite brilliant performance in the first Test by boththe frontline spinners, it is not guaranteed that both of them will startthe second Test match.——————————

The leg-spinner, Yasir Shah, and the left-arm spinner, Nauman Ali, wereinfluential in Pakistan’s victory in the first Test. Yasir picked up threewickets in the first innings and four in the second, while debutant NaumanAli picked up two wickets in the first innings and a five-wicket haul inthe second as Pakistan won the match comfortably by seven wickets.

“We are open for change if needed and it’s not compulsory to play a spinnerjust because he did well in Karachi. If it’s quite evident that the surfaceisn’t suiting a spinner, we are ready to bring in a fast bowler,” Misbahsaid.

Misbah added that Pakistan will look to gain the maximum advantage of thehome conditions, and are hoping that the pitch is prepared according totheir preferences. He said that the conditions in Karachi are verydifferent to Rawalpindi, and historically, Rawalpindi offers a lot moreassistance to the seamers as compared to the spinners.——————————

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Rawalpindi’s pitch is usually a lot more greener than Karachi, but recentlyit has been exposed to a lot of sunlight over the past few days. Misbahbelieves that it is a good thing, and the pitch will be a lot more dry thanusual, which will be in line with what Pakistan wants.

If Pakistan decides to drop one spinner in the second Test match, theneither Tabish Khan or Haris Rauf will be handed a debut. Both the fastbowlers were called up to the Test squad for the first time and will beraring to go if selected for the playing XI. The pitch might offer a lot ofassistance to Rauf who can come in handy with his pace and reverse swing.

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