Pakistan shake up squad ahead of third Test against England
New coaching staff to take charge of the final Test with Pakistan 2-0 down.
Pakistan have made wholesale changes ahead of the third Test against England, releasing as many as seven players – Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad – from their squad.
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal and Arafat Minhas are among the replacements, all of whom have previous international experience with Pakistan.
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Four uncapped players have also been brought into the squad to add further depth and fresh options. Wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig provides a choice behind the stumps, while left-arm pacer Mohammad Imran Jnr, right-arm pace-bowling all-rounders Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah will add versatility to the squad.
There have also been changes to Pakistan’s coaching setup, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul both departing their roles. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke will take charge for the third Test against England.
Pakistan squad for third Test against England
Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Razaullah, Saad Baig, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah.
Pakistan have endured a difficult tour of England so far, losing the first Test by an innings and 103 runs in Leeds before suffering defeat by 194 runs at Lord’s.
While the bowling attack has offered some encouragement, Pakistan’s batting has been a major concern, with the team failing to cross the 200-run mark in any of their four innings so far.
The poor run has left Pakistan languishing at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship standings, with a points percentage of just 16.67% after eight matches.