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Pakistan will be desperate to salvage some pride when they take on England in the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, starting September 9. The visitors trail the three-match series 0-2 after suffering heavy defeats in the opening two Tests, losing by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley before going down by 194 runs at Lord’s.
However, the biggest talking point ahead of the series finale has been Pakistan’s dramatic squad overhaul. The Pakistan Cricket Board released seven players from the tour squad, including Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman and Muhammad Awais Zafar. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke taking charge for the final Test.
Babar Azam has been reinstated as Test captain and is expected to lead a largely new-look side at Edgbaston. With several uncapped players included in the squad, Pakistan face some major selection calls before the toss.
Here is Pakistan’s predicted playing XI for the third Test against England.
Saim Ayub is expected to return to the Test side at the top of the order. The left-hander has eight Test appearances to his name and was one of the players brought into the squad as part of the mid-series reshuffle. His attacking approach could provide Pakistan with a much-needed change of tempo against England’s formidable new-ball attack.
Shan Masood could partner him at the top. Although Babar has reclaimed the captaincy, Shan remains part of the squad and offers considerably more Test experience than several of Pakistan’s new options. His ability to absorb pressure will be important, particularly after Pakistan failed to cross 200 in any of their first four innings of the series.
Abdullah Shafique should slot in at No. 3. The right-hander has established himself as a Test batter over the past few years and his inclusion gives Pakistan some continuity despite the wholesale changes around him.
Captain Babar Azam is expected to bat at No. 4. His return to Test captaincy comes at a particularly difficult time, with Pakistan having endured back-to-back heavy defeats. Babar also recently suffered a fever, but team manager Naveed Akram Cheema expressed confidence that he would recover in time for the Edgbaston Test.
For Pakistan, a significant contribution from Babar could be crucial. The visitors desperately need someone capable of batting deep and putting pressure back on England’s bowlers.
Saud Shakeel is likely to retain his place in the middle order. The left-hander brings valuable experience and was among the players retained following the dramatic squad changes.
One of the more intriguing selections could be Arafat Minhas. The left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder has represented Pakistan in white-ball cricket but is yet to make his Test debut. His inclusion would give the team additional balance, particularly if the management wants a fifth bowling option.
Minhas’ left-arm spin could also become useful as the Edgbaston pitch wears, while his batting gives Pakistan more depth than selecting another specialist bowler.
Saad Baig is the likely choice to take the gloves. With Mohammad Rizwan released from the squad, Pakistan have turned to the uncapped wicketkeeper-batter, who was among the players added to the squad for the third Test.
The 19-year-old faces a huge challenge on Test debut, particularly against England’s pace attack, but his inclusion represents Pakistan’s desire to look towards a younger generation.
Pakistan could opt for a four-man bowling attack alongside Minhas.
Sajid Khan is likely to be the frontline spinner. His experience in English conditions and ability to extract bounce from the surface make him an important option in a bowling unit that has undergone considerable change.
Veteran seamer Mohammad Abbas could lead the pace attack. His accuracy and ability to move the ball in the air make him a natural fit for English conditions.
Mohammad Ali is another strong candidate to feature. He has previously represented Pakistan in Tests and can provide a reliable right-arm pace option. His ability to attack the stumps could be particularly valuable against England’s aggressive top order.
The final bowling spot could go to Ubaid Shah, who has been included in the 17-member squad. The younger brother of Naseem Shah offers genuine pace and gives Pakistan an opportunity to inject more aggression into their attack.
Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (C), Saud Shakeel, Arafat Minhas, Saad Baig (WK), Sajid Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Ubaid Shah
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