KARACHI: The Pakistan cricket team is gearing up for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston on Wednesday, but their preparations have been significantly impacted by a series of player omissions. With the series currently led by England, Pakistan faces the daunting prospect of a clean sweep, a feat that England has yet to achieve against them on home soil.
Historically, England has come close to sweeping Pakistan in Test series, notably winning four out of five matches in 1962, with Pakistan managing to draw one to avoid a complete rout. In 2006, England again won three of four Tests, with another draw preventing a clean sweep. The current series presents England with a golden opportunity to achieve this elusive goal.
Pakistan enters the Birmingham Test following a challenging period, having left behind seven players and two key coaches after their defeat at Lord's. This has placed head coach Mike Hesson in a difficult position as he works to quickly rebuild the squad ahead of the series finale.
In the lead-up to the Test, Pakistan has been training in Birmingham, where Hesson is tasked with finalizing a competitive lineup against an England bowling attack that has consistently tested their batting line-up. The absence of key players such as wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan, injured opener Imam-ul-Haq, and Agha Salman has opened up several positions in the team.
Among the players available to fill these gaps are Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, and wicket-keeper Mohammad Ghazi Ghori, who is poised to make his Test debut. Ghori has previously played four one-day internationals, and his inclusion could be pivotal for the team. Saim Ayub's return is particularly noteworthy; he last played in a Test against South Africa in January 2025 but was sidelined due to an ankle injury that kept him out of action for an extended period.
Abdullah Fazal, who has participated in two Tests against Bangladesh, had a promising start with half-centuries in his first Test but struggled in his subsequent outing. Hesson may choose to make limited changes, opting to introduce one additional batter alongside a new wicket-keeper rather than overhauling a struggling team.
Pakistan's batting has been a major concern throughout the tour, with only a few substantial contributions noted. Saud Shakeel's determined 97 in the second innings at Lord's and Azan Awais's 46 in the first innings stand out as highlights. In contrast, the bowling attack has shown more promise, with Mohammad Abbas emerging as Pakistan's most consistent bowler, supported by Mohammad Ali. Young fast bowler Ubaid Shah, who has already made his Test debut during Pakistan's West Indies tour, could also be in contention, bringing a faster pace than Abbas and Ali.
Hesson also has spin options in Sajid Khan and Arafat Minhas, which could be crucial given England's strong record at Edgbaston. Historically, the two teams have faced off in seven Tests at this venue, with England winning five and the other two ending in draws. A victory for England would not only secure the series but also mark a significant milestone as they seek a clean sweep over Pakistan on home soil.
For Pakistan, this Test represents a critical opportunity to halt a declining campaign and shift the narrative surrounding the squad changes that have defined their tour thus far.
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