PCB Drops Seven Players, Reshuffles Coaching Staff Ahead of 3rd Test

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made major changes to the national Test squad ahead of the third and final match against England, releasing seven players along with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.

The series decider is scheduled to take place in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.

Imam-ul-Haq, Awais Zafar, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad have been released from the squad following Pakistan’s disappointing results in the opening two Tests.

The PCB has subsequently added Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal to strengthen the top order, while Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah have been included as all-round options. Fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr and emerging wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig have also been brought into the squad.

Saad Baig earned his call-up after being named Player of the Tournament in the recently concluded Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

The coaching setup has also been reshuffled, with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson taking charge of the Test side for the final match. Ashley Noffke has been appointed as the new bowling coach in place of Umar Gul.

The seven released players are expected to link up with the Pakistan squad ahead of the Birmingham Test.

Pakistan have endured a difficult start to the series, suffering an innings and 103-run defeat in the first Test before England secured a 194-run victory in the second, leaving the visitors 2-0 down with one match remaining.

Pakistan squad for third Test against England:

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.