Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed his surprise regarding the significant changes made to the Test squad prior to the final match against England. This revelation adds to the ongoing controversy surrounding the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to overhaul the team mid-series. Speaking at a press conference before the third Test at Edgbaston, Babar clarified that he was not consulted about the release of seven players after Pakistan’s disappointing performance, which saw them trailing 2-0 in the three-match series. These changes were implemented following heavy defeats in Leeds and at Lord’s, alongside substantial adjustments to the coaching staff by the PCB.
With England already holding an unassailable 2-0 advantage, Babar said Pakistan had little reason to dwell on the upheaval and urged the incoming players to approach the final Test positively. Pakistan will begin the third Test at Edgbaston on September 9, with the match scheduled to run until September 13. He scored 193 runs at an average of 96.50 during Pakistan’s Test series against the West Indies. Pakistan have already surrendered the series, but Babar and a heavily altered squad will now attempt to avoid a 3-0 sweep while navigating an unusually turbulent period away from the field.
The final Test therefore carries significance beyond the result. The board simultaneously removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. White ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke were brought in to oversee the team for the Edgbaston Test. Babar has also faced questions over his own performances during the tour. After his form came under scrutiny, he pointed to his recent success in the Caribbean, where he was named Player of the Series.
