Pakistan have made major changes to their Test squad following two heavy defeats against England, dropping seven players and releasing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston.
Five players who featured in the first two Tests — Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad — have been dropped, while Aamir Jamal and Mohammad Awais Jafar have also been sent home without playing.
Pakistan have called up seven replacements, including Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have previous Test experience.
Five uncapped players — Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah — have also been added.
The coaching staff has also been overhauled, with Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul released. White-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australia fast bowler Ashley Noffke will take charge for the final Test.
The drastic changes come after Pakistan were beaten by an innings at Headingley and suffered a 194-run defeat at Lord’s, scoring fewer than 200 in all four innings.
The second Test was also overshadowed by controversy surrounding an interview involving the sons of former Pakistan captain and prime minister Imran Khan.
The third and final Test begins at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on September 9.