The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made major changes to its Test squad for the third match against England at Edgbaston, starting September 9. After a heavy defeat in the second Test at Lord’s, the selectors have brought six domestic performers into the squad, including Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas.
England took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series after beating Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s. Chasing 389, Pakistan were bowled out for 194 in their second innings despite Saud Shakeel’s 97 runs. The defeat has forced the team management to make significant changes ahead of the final Test.
Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq Set to Return Home Ahead of Third Test
Pakistan have decided to send Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq back home ahead of the final Test. Rizwan's poor form and batting performances have come under scrutiny, while questions have also been raised about Imam's injury.
Imam remained off the field after tea on the opening day of the Lord's Test and did not return during the match. Salman Agha came on as his substitute. Imam also did not bat in Pakistan's first innings, which ended with the team scoring only 110 in 37.2 overs.
Questions were raised about whether Imam could have batted in the second innings after receiving pain-killing injections. However, he did not come out despite Pakistan needing 389 runs for victory. Rizwan scored only one run in the second innings before Ollie Robinson dismissed him.
"Questions are being raised over Imam-ul-Haq's "suspicious injury." It was expected that he would come out to bat in difficult circumstances yesterday, but despite receiving painkiller injections, he did not take part in the match. Along with Imam-ul-Haq, a decision has also been made to send Mohammad Rizwan back home due to his irresponsible batting," Khaliq wrote on X.
Mike Hesson to Take Charge for Third Test
Pakistan have also brought white-ball head coach Mike Hesson into the Test setup for the final match. Hesson will be part of the team at Edgbaston, while former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed will remain with the squad.
"The white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, will take charge during the third Test against England, while Sarfaraz Ahmed will also remain with the team," Khaliq stated.
Hesson will have to quickly address Pakistan's batting problems before the final Test. The team has already lost the series after England won the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs and followed it up with a 194-run victory at Lord's.
Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas Among Six Pakistan Players Called Up
The PCB has turned to domestic cricket for reinforcements after the team's disappointing performances in England. Six players, including Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas, have been called up from Pakistan. The remaining members of the group will join the squad after receiving their visas.
"The patience of PCB officials has reportedly run out following the team's below-par performance on the England tour. As an emergency measure, six cricketers have been called up from Pakistan, including Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas. The others will be sent once they receive their visas," Khaliq revealed.
England were bowled out for 208 in their second innings on Sunday, with Mohammad Abbas taking his eighth five-wicket haul. The third Test at Edgbaston, scheduled from September 9 to 13, will give Pakistan one final chance to avoid a 3-0 series defeat.
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