LAHORE: In a significant development, Pakistan have dropped seven players and released two members of the coaching staff ahead of the third Test against England, scheduled to be played on 9 September at Edgbaston.
Having already lost the three-match series 2-0 at Lord’s, Pakistan’s management have made major changes to both the squad and backroom staff for the final Test.
Babar Azam-led side suffered a 194-run defeat at Lord’s despite producing a strong bowling performance on the opening day. England’s victory followed their innings and 103-run win at Headingley, leaving the visitors with no chance of levelling the series.
The series loss has triggered significant changes to Pakistan’s Test squad ahead of the final match of the series.
The dropped players include Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad. Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar have also been sent home without featuring in the series.
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Capped players Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have been added to the squad, while all-rounder Arafat Minhas, left-arm seamer Mohammed Imran Jr, wicketkeeper Said Baig, and all-rounders Mohammad Imran and Razaullah have all received their maiden Test call-ups.
The changes also extended to the coaching staff, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul released from their positions. They are replaced by Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke.
The tourists are also due to have an audience with King Charles at Clarence House this week.
Pakistan updated squad for third Test against England
Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah
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