Pakistan have made sweeping changes to their Test squad following two heavy defeats against England, dropping seven players and releasing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston.
Five players who featured in the opening two Tests — Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad — have been dropped, while Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar have also been sent home without featuring in the series.
Pakistan have called up seven replacements, including Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have previous Test experience.
Five uncapped players — Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah — have also been added to the squad.
The changes extend to the coaching staff, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul released. Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke will take charge for the final Test.
The drastic overhaul follows Pakistan’s innings defeat in the first Test at Headingley and a 194-run loss at Lord’s. Pakistan were dismissed for fewer than 200 runs in all four innings across the two matches.
The second Test was also overshadowed by controversy after the Pakistan Cricket Board threatened to abandon the match and the remainder of the tour over an interview involving the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan broadcast during the Test.
Pakistan eventually continued with the match, while captain Babar Azam and Sarfaraz later said they were unaware of any planned boycott.
The third and final Test begins at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Sept. 9. (Newswire)