Pakistan have brought in several replacements
Pakistan have made sweeping changes after back-to-back defeats to England by sacking head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and sending seven squad members home.
The tourists suffered an innings defeat in the first Test at Headingley before losing by 194 runs at Lord’s, giving England an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded by making dramatic changes to the coaching staff and playing squad ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston.
White-ball coach Mike Hesson has been brought in to replace Sarfaraz, while bowling coach Umar Gul has also been stood down.
Former Australia international Ashley Noffke will take over the bowling role alongside New Zealander Hesson for the remainder of the series.
The changes come after Pakistan’s heavy defeats sparked questions over the strength of the current side, which has struggled to compete with England during the series.
Among those removed from the squad is Salman Ali Agha, who captained Pakistan during the first Test in Leeds.
Experienced wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan has also been sent home, alongside opener Imam-ul-Haq.
Imam did not bat in either innings at Lord’s after suffering a low-grade calf strain, although his omission from the revised squad represents another major change for Pakistan.
Seamer Khurram Shahzad and spinner Ali Usman have also been dropped despite taking six wickets between them across their two appearances.
Unused squad members Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar have also been released from the group.
Pakistan have brought in several replacements as they attempt to respond to their difficult start to the series.
Saim Ayub, who played in all three Tests during Pakistan’s 2024 series against England at home, has been added as a batting replacement.
Opener Abdullah Fazal has also returned to the squad after featuring against Bangladesh in May.
There are further opportunities for younger players, with all-rounder Arafat Minhas included after representing Pakistan in seven white-ball internationals.
Left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr, teenage wicketkeeper Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah are all uncapped at international level.
The overhaul leaves Hesson with a dramatically different group as Pakistan prepare for the third Test at Edgbaston.
Pakistan are also due to meet King Charles at Clarence House this week, with the squad expected to attend a 15-minute engagement.
However, it remains unclear how many of the newly selected players will be present for the royal meeting following the PCB’s sweeping changes.
