Pakistan unlikely to press 'panic button' after England loss

Pakistan are unlikely to press the ‘panic button’ and make widespread changes to the side after their shocking defeat in the first Test against England at the Old Trafford in Manchester on an uncharacteristically turning track. The head coach-cum-chief selector Misbahul Haq has not let his emotions get the better of him nor has he uttered any harsh words for his players in the aftermath of the loss.

Misbah also tried to raise the spirits of under-fire captain Azhar Ali. The reserve cricketers continued their training on Sunday. The Men in Green will arrive in Southampton today where they will undergo another round of testing for the Covid-19.

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Leg-spinner Shadab Khan could be replaced by either all-rounder Faheem Ashraf or batsman Fawad Alam.

According to sources, the players were initially concerned that Misbah would be severely angry and lash out at the players upon their return to the dressing room after their shock defeat however this was not the case. The head coach however tried to raise the spirits of his side.

“Everyone had performed well in the whole Test except for the last session which resulted in the loss. Everyone should focus on their mistakes and work around them. The series is still ongoing and we have two Tests left to make a comeback,” Misbah reportedly said.

Azhar also tried to raise the spirits of his fellow teammates while urging them to not give up.