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Pakistan were thrashed by Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match Test series. The hosts are now winless in Tests on home soil since August 2021 and have dropped down to eighth place in the latest World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings.

As per PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, the Pakistan think-tank had a strategic error for not choosing a spin-bowler for the two-match series. A loss has already had them lose a place on the points table, and a WTC 2025 final spot already looks like a distant dream.

However, desperate times call for desperate measures. And Jason Gillespie looks to amend his wrongs from the first Test. He could have a surprise in store, as Muhammad Rizwan was seen bowling to Babar Azam in the nets ahead of the final Test. 

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Is Muhammad Rizwan Pakistan's new spin bowling option? 

Pakistan wicket-keeper Muhammad Rizwan was seen bowling to team-mate and star batter Babar Azam in the nets ahead of the second and final Test of the series. 

However, Rizwan bowling against Babar in the nets does not necessarily mean that he will be Pakistan's spinner in the second Test. 

In fact, Pakistan have recalled three players into their squad for the second Test including spinners Abrar Ahmed and Kamran Ghulam.

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Has Muhammad Rizwan ever bowled for Pakistan?

Muhammad Rizwan has not bowled a single delivery for Pakistan. The 32-year-old is primarily a wicketkeeper batter for his nation and is seen behind the stumps in most matches. 

With the emergence of Azam Khan in the recent years, Rizwan is also been deployed as an outfielder.

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Mohit Khakhar is a content producer for The Sporting News India.