Pakistan face uphill task to avoid whitewash against England

Pakistan will face England in the third Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday, September 9, looking to end a difficult series on a positive note after losing the opening two matches.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made major changes ahead of the final Test, sending seven players home, calling up seven replacements and reshuffling the coaching staff.

Why did Pakistan make changes before the third Test?

Pakistan made sweeping changes after heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord’s left them 2-0 down in the three-match series.

Seven players were released from the squad and seven replacements were called up, including five players yet to play a Test. The PCB also replaced Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.

The decision came after Pakistan lost the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs, following an innings defeat in the series opener at Headingley.

Among those sent home were Salman Ali Agha, left-arm spinner Ali Usman, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq.

Ali Usman took a five-wicket haul at Headingley, while Rizwan and Imam did not bat in either innings at Lord’s. Imam was sidelined with a calf injury.

What has Mike Hesson said about Pakistan’s changes?

Hesson acknowledged the unusual circumstances surrounding his arrival midway through the series and said Pakistan’s players were more accustomed to such uncertainty than he was.

“The guys are probably more used to a little bit of chaos than I am,” Hesson said.

The new coach said his priority was to put together a balanced squad that could offer greater variety in attack.

“Pakistan is known for the pace, unusual actions, mystery spin,” Hesson said. “We haven't really been able to present any of that.”

Can Pakistan’s new players adapt quickly?

The new arrivals have little time to adjust to English conditions because Pakistan have no tour match between the second and third Tests.

England captain Joe Root said seam-friendly pitches, overcast conditions and responsive cricket balls had made batting difficult for both teams.

Pakistan, however, have struggled particularly badly, failing to reach 200 in any of their four innings in the series.

Can England complete a 3-0 series win?

England need one more victory at Edgbaston to complete a 3-0 series sweep over Pakistan.

Joe Root returned as England captain for the series, while the team have already secured their first Test series victory in more than a year.

Pakistan, meanwhile, are looking for a consolation win after a tour that has brought defeats, squad changes and a coaching reshuffle.

The final Test at Edgbaston will also be Pakistan’s chance to prevent a first-ever Test series whitewash in England.