BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan are considering a raft of changes for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston, with six players likely to be called up.
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, scheduled from 9 to 13 September.
According to reports, openers Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal are likely to be called up for the third Test. All-rounder Arafat Minhas, wicketkeeper-batter Rohail Nazir and fast bowlers Mohammad Imran Jr and Razaullah are also under consideration.
Abdullah was ruled out of the West Indies tour due to injury, while Saim Ayub last played against South Africa in January 2025.
Earlier, it was also reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to send Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq home.
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Rizwan, who featured in both Tests against England, has come under scrutiny following a series of low scores. The wicketkeeper-batter has managed only 94 runs across his last four Tests, with scores of 12 and 41 in the opening Test at Headingley before returning 7 and 1 at Lord’s.
Rizwan’s aggressive dismissals in both Tests against England have further intensified criticism surrounding his place in the side.
Imam, meanwhile, featured in Pakistan’s XI for the Lord’s Test but was unable to make a contribution with the bat after suffering a left calf injury while fielding on the opening day.
The opener was subsequently ruled out of the remainder of the match and is now reportedly set to return to Pakistan alongside Rizwan.
