The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a major squad overhaul ahead of the third and final Test match against England at Edgbaston. Following consecutive defeats at Headingley and Lord’s that handed England an unassailable 2-0 series lead, the PCB released seven players from the Test squad.
Seven replacements—including five players uncapped at the Test level—have been drafted in to rebuild team dynamics. Alongside the playing roster changes, former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were released from their coaching roles, with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke taking charge of the red-ball side for the final match.
Pakistan Make Major Changes Before Third Test
England took control of the three-match series with dominant victories in the first two Tests. The hosts claimed an innings-and-103-run victory in the opening Test at Headingley before securing a 194-run win at Lord’s.
With England leading 2-0, the PCB opted for an extensive reorganization. The third Test, set to begin at Edgbaston in Birmingham on September 9, 2026, remains a critical fixture for Pakistan as they seek valuable World Test Championship (WTC) points and aim to avoid a 3-0 series sweep.
Who Is OUT?
The PCB officially released seven players from the squad following the conclusion of the Lord’s Test:
- Mohammad Rizwan: Senior wicketkeeper-batter who struggled for runs in the middle order across the first two Tests.
- Imam-ul-Haq: Top-order batter released as part of the top-order restructuring.
- Salman Ali Agha: All-rounder removed from the squad as selectors look for fresh middle-order depth.
- Ali Usman: Left-arm spinner who picked up a five-wicket haul at Headingley but was released ahead of the Edgbaston fixture.
- Aamir Jamal: Pace-bowling all-rounder released from the squad.
- Muhammad Awais Zafar: Fast bowler stood down from squad duties.
- Khurram Shahzad: Right-arm fast bowler released following two Test appearances in the series.
Who Is IN?
To fill the vacancies, the PCB named seven replacements:
Capped Test Players
- Saim Ayub: Left-handed top-order batter who has featured in eight Test matches.
- Abdullah Fazal: Top-order batter with two Test caps to his name.
Uncapped & Limited-Overs Performers
- Arafat Minhas: Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder with international experience in three ODIs and four T20Is.
- Mohammad Imran Jnr: Left-arm fast bowler.
- Saad Baig: Wicketkeeper-batter named Player of the Tournament in the 2025–26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
- Mohammad Imran (Imran Randhawa): Right-arm pace-bowling all-rounder.
- Razaullah: Right-arm pace-bowling all-rounder.
The New Faces to Watch
Arafat Minhas
Arafat Minhas is a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder who has represented Pakistan in white-ball cricket. His domestic consistency and international experience in ODIs and T20Is give Pakistan a versatile spin option.
Mohammad Imran Jnr
A left-arm fast bowler who earned his call-up through strong domestic displays, Mohammad Imran Jnr adds natural variation to Pakistan’s seam attack.
Saad Baig
A promising young wicketkeeper-batter, Saad Baig was named Player of the Tournament during the 2025–26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. His domestic form offers Pakistan an attacking option behind the stumps.
Mohammad Imran / Imran Randhawa
A right-arm pace-bowling all-rounder, Imran Randhawa brings depth to both the seam department and the lower-middle order.
Razaullah
A right-arm pace-bowling all-rounder called up to provide high-velocity bowling cover for the Birmingham Test.
Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal Return
The inclusion of Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal brings established top-order experience back to the team. Ayub, who has played eight Tests, offers dynamic strokeplay at the top of the order alongside useful off-spin bowling. Fazal’s return adds composure and red-ball familiarity to an otherwise youthful batting order.
Major Coaching Changes
Alongside squad modifications, the PCB restructured the backroom management team:
- Head Coach: Mike Hesson, who already serves as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, takes over as head coach for the third Test, replacing Sarfaraz Ahmed.
- Bowling Coach: Ashley Noffke steps in as bowling coach for the Edgbaston fixture, taking over from Umar Gul.
Why Did Pakistan Make Such Big Changes?
Pakistan’s top-order batting struggles proved decisive in the first two matches. The visiting side failed to breach the 200-run mark in any of their four innings across Headingley and Lord’s, suffering early batting collapses against England’s fast bowlers. By introducing five uncapped domestic performers and restructuring the coaching unit, the PCB aims to address technical deficiencies and inject fresh energy into the squad.
Babar Azam Remains Captain
Babar Azam continues as captain of the updated Pakistan Test squad. Despite team difficulties, Babar retains the leadership role as Pakistan looks to reorganize its batting approach for the final Test at Edgbaston.
Updated Pakistan Test Squad
- Babar Azam (Captain)
- Abdullah Fazal
- Abdullah Shafique
- Arafat Minhas
- Azan Awais
- Mohammad Abbas
- Mohammad Ali
- Muhammad Imran
- Mohammad Imran Jnr
- Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (Wicketkeeper)
- Razaullah
- Saad Baig (Wicketkeeper)
- Saim Ayub
- Sajid Khan
- Saud Shakeel
- Shan Masood
- Ubaid Shah
Can Pakistan Avoid a 3-0 Series Defeat?
With England holding an unassailable 2-0 lead, the pressure is on Pakistan to produce a competitive showing at Edgbaston. The match presents an opportunity for Pakistan’s newly selected players to test their skills against England’s pace attack under the guidance of head coach Mike Hesson.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s seven-player squad overhaul and coaching restructuring mark a decisive attempt to reset after heavy losses at Headingley and Lord’s. As the squad prepares for the third Test at Edgbaston starting September 9, all eyes will be on how the new-look side performs against a confident English team.
References & Credits
- Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB): Official Press Release: Update on Pakistan Test Squad (August 31, 2026).
- International Cricket Council (ICC): Pakistan Shake Up Squad Ahead of Third Test Against England (September 1, 2026).
- The Express Tribune: PCB Replaces Seven Players in Test Squad After Series Loss to England (August 31, 2026).
- ESPNcricinfo: Full Match Coverage & Squad Updates: England vs Pakistan 2026.
