As Pakistan prepares to face England in the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday, the team is focused on salvaging pride after a challenging week that saw major changes in their squad and coaching staff. Currently trailing 2-0 in the three-match series, Pakistan is looking to avoid a complete whitewash following two heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord's.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the decision to send seven players home after the loss at Lord's, leading to the introduction of several fresh faces into a squad that is already under immense pressure. Captain Babar Azam expressed optimism about the new additions, stating, “A couple of new faces are coming, and we are excited and will play good cricket in this Test match.”
Pakistan's performance in the series has been disappointing, with the team managing scores of just 171, 135, 110, and 194 in their last four innings. The opening Test ended in a crushing defeat by an innings and 103 runs, followed by a 194-run loss in the second Test. Babar defended the selection for the Lord's Test, emphasizing that the team had considered the pitch and conditions before finalizing their lineup, but acknowledged that they failed to deliver a cohesive performance across all departments.
Reflecting on his own form, Babar noted his previous success, having been named man of the series in the last outing. He sees the current upheaval as an opportunity for younger players to showcase their talents, stating, “There are no difficulties but opportunities for youngsters to express themselves.” Babar also mentioned that Edgbaston has been a venue of good fortune for him in the past, hoping that trend continues in this Test.
Adding to the challenges, Pakistan's preparations have been disrupted by changes in the coaching staff. Mike Hesson, previously the white-ball coach, has taken over the red-ball team following the dismissal of Sarfaraz Ahmed. Additionally, bowling coach Umar Gul was also relieved of his duties after the defeat at Lord's. Ashley Noffke has stepped in to work with the bowlers ahead of the final Test, focusing on young fast bowlers Razaullah, Mohammad Imran Junior, Imran Randhawa, and Ubaid Shah, who have been training intensively under his guidance.
Weather conditions have also played a role in Pakistan's training regimen, with wet weather forcing some sessions indoors. However, the team has managed to practice outdoors when possible. Cooler temperatures and rain in Birmingham on Tuesday may impact team selection, with expectations that Pakistan will include at least one additional seamer after the departure of Khurram Shahzad and left-arm spinner Ali Usman.
Mohammad Abbas is anticipated to lead the bowling attack, supported by Mohammad Ali, who has shown impressive accuracy throughout the series. Spin options will likely include Sajid Khan and young Arafat Minhas. Additionally, Mohammad Ghazi Ghori is expected to make his Test debut in place of Mohammad Rizwan, while prolific opener Saim Ayub could return to Test cricket for the first time since January 2025, stepping in for Imam-ul-Haq.
On the other hand, England may consider rotating their bowling lineup as they prepare for a white-ball series against Sri Lanka set to begin on September 15. Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tongue have formed a formidable pace attack in the ongoing series, with Robinson being the only one not involved in the upcoming white-ball campaign. A victory for England at Edgbaston would mark their first home Test series sweep against Pakistan on their home soil, adding further motivation for the hosts.
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