Pakistan have decided to make major changes to their Test squad and coaching setup after suffering a 2-0 series defeat against England. With the third and final Test scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on September 9, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is preparing a significant reshuffle.
According to reports, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson is set to take charge of the Test team for the final match. The PCB has not officially announced the change yet. Red-ball coach Sarfaraz Ahmed is also facing scrutiny following Pakistan’s poor performance on the tour.
Pakistan were comprehensively beaten in the first two Tests. England won the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory at Lord’s. Pakistan struggled badly with the bat, managing just 110 in their first innings and 194 in the second at Lord’s.
The PCB is now looking to strengthen the squad by calling up as many as six players from Pakistan. Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas are among those reportedly summoned, while the remaining replacements are expected to join the squad after completing their visa formalities.
Mohammad Rizwan is reportedly set to return home after a disappointing run with the bat. Imam-ul-Haq is also expected to leave the squad, with his calf injury due to be assessed.
The changes come at a crucial time for Pakistan, who have little time to recover before the final Test. Hesson and High-Performance Director Aqib Javed had already travelled to London before Pakistan's defeat at Lord’s. The PCB had said their visit was linked to a planned dinner for the Pakistan team hosted by King Charles.
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, COO Sumair Ahmed and PSL chief Salman Naseer are also expected to be in London for meetings related to the Pakistan Super League.
Despite the off-field engagements, the focus has now shifted firmly to Pakistan’s cricketing problems. The team has struggled against England’s seam attack, with Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and Jofra Archer causing repeated problems.
Pakistan will now have just over a week to regroup and prepare for the final Test. The PCB’s sweeping changes suggest that the board is determined to find quick solutions after a disappointing series.
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