The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to make major changes to the Test squad ahead of the third match against England at Edgbaston.
The final Test of the three-match series will begin on September 9. England have already secured the series after taking an unassailable 2-0 lead.
According to sources, the PCB has decided to send wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq back to Pakistan.
The decisions come after Pakistan suffered a heavy 194-run defeat at Lord’s. The result has increased pressure on the team management and senior players.
Rizwan’s Form Under Scrutiny
Rizwan has faced criticism over his recent batting performances. He scored only one run in Pakistan’s second innings at Lord’s before being dismissed by Ollie Robinson.
Pakistan were chasing 389 runs for victory but were bowled out for 194. Saud Shakeel was the top scorer with 97 runs, but the team failed to withstand England’s bowling attack.
The PCB has now decided to bring fresh options into the squad for the final Test.
Questions Surround Imam’s Injury
Imam-ul-Haq’s fitness has also become a major talking point.
The batter left the field after tea on the opening day at Lord’s and did not return during the match. Salman Agha was used as his substitute.
Imam also did not bat during Pakistan’s first innings, which ended at just 110 runs in 37.2 overs.
Questions were later raised about whether Imam could have played a role in the second innings after reportedly receiving pain-killing injections. He ultimately did not come out to bat.
Imam was reportedly diagnosed with a Grade 1 tear in his left calf and advised to rest for 10 days.
Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad also questioned the seriousness of the injury. Broad claimed that Imam’s actions during warm-ups appeared to be “all for show”. The claim has added further scrutiny around the Pakistan batter’s fitness.
Six Players Called Up for Edgbaston
The PCB has turned to domestic cricket for reinforcements ahead of the final Test.
Six players are being called up, including Saim Ayub, Arafat Minhas and Abdullah Fazal. The remaining players are expected to join the squad after completing their visa arrangements.
The move reflects the team management’s decision to provide opportunities to domestic performers after Pakistan’s disappointing results in England.
Mike Hesson to Take Charge
Pakistan have also brought white-ball head coach Mike Hesson into the Test setup for the Edgbaston match.
Hesson will take charge of the team for the third Test, while former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will continue to remain with the squad.
The coaching changes come as Pakistan attempt to avoid a clean sweep in the three-match series.
England bowled Pakistan out for 194 in the second innings at Lord’s after setting a target of 389. Earlier, England were dismissed for 208 in their second innings, with Mohammad Abbas claiming his eighth five-wicket haul.
Pakistan now have one final opportunity to prevent a 3-0 series defeat.
The third Test will be played at Edgbaston from September 9 to 13.
