PCB changes coaches and seven players ahead of third Test against England — Dawn
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) replaced coaches and dropped seven players from the squad ahead of the third and final Test against England. According to Dawn, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed was replaced by Pakistan’s limited-overs cricket coach Mike Hesson. Ashley Noffke was appointed in place of fast-bowling coach Umar Gul.
Changes after two defeats
The personnel decisions were made after England secured the series early. Pakistan lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs, while in the second match at London’s Lord’s stadium, England won by 194 runs.
The third Test is set to begin on September 9. According to the publication, Pakistan have lost five of their last six Test matches, with their only victory during that period coming against the West Indies in August. Pakistan are bottom of the World Test Championship table.
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Who will not play in the third Test
Salman Agha, senior wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, opening batter Imam-ul-Haq, spinner Ali Usman, fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, all-rounder Aamir Jamal and batter Mohammad Awais Zafar were not included in the squad for the match. Captain Babar Azam missed the first Test due to injury and returned to the team for the second match.
In the two Tests of the series against England, Pakistan failed to score 200 runs in an innings. Selectors called up several players who had mainly played limited-overs cricket, including Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal and Arafat Minhas.
Wicketkeeper Saad Baig, fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jr, and all-rounders Mohammad Imran and Razallah have not yet made their debut for Pakistan in any format. Former cricketers and critics, Dawn notes, criticised the PCB’s decision and called for a more consistent and considered approach to team selection.
