Pakistan Hand Three Players Test Debuts in Bid to Avoid England Whitewash
Pakistan players prepare for the final Test against England at Edgbaston.
Pakistan face England in the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday, hoping to avoid a series whitewash after heavy defeats in the opening two matches.
England won the toss and elected to bowl first. Pakistan made four changes after their 194-run defeat at Lord’s left them 2-0 down in the three-Test series.
Domestic cricket veteran and pace all-rounder Mohammad Imran Randhawa, fast bowler Razaullah and wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori were handed Test debuts. Opener Saim Ayub also returned to the Test side for the first time since 2025.
Major Changes After Lord’s Defeat
The changes follow a major shake-up by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The board sent seven players home after the Lord’s defeat. It also called up seven replacements. Five of those players had not previously played Test cricket.
The PCB also removed Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. White-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke were brought in as replacements.
Brent Oil Tops $100 as Middle East Conflict Raises Supply Fears
Captain Salman Ali Agha, who led Pakistan at Headingley while Babar Azam was injured, was among those sent home. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman also left the squad after taking five wickets in the same Test.
Experienced wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan was omitted as well. Opener Imam-ul-Haq was also dropped after missing both innings at Lord’s because of a calf injury.
Pakistan Face Difficult Task
Pakistan had already lost the series after an innings defeat in the opening Test at Headingley.
They then suffered a 194-run loss at Lord’s. The results have left the visitors searching for answers ahead of the final Test.
The latest changes have produced a much less experienced Pakistan side. However, Randhawa brings significant domestic experience.
The pace-bowling all-rounder has played 58 first-class matches. Razaullah has only eight first-class appearances, while Ghori has spent recent years in the Pakistan Shaheens and youth systems.
Ghori has also represented Pakistan in One-day Internationals.
England Keep Winning Combination
England have kept the same XI for the third Test.
Their decision to bowl first gives their pace attack an early opportunity. Any movement from the Edgbaston surface could test Pakistan’s new-look batting order.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will hope Saim Ayub and the rest of the batting line-up can survive the opening spell.
Their bowling attack includes three specialist fast bowlers and Randhawa as the pace-bowling all-rounder. Saim can also provide an additional option with his mystery finger-spin.
Babar Looks Ahead
The upheaval has dominated Pakistan cricket over the past week.
However, captain Babar Azam said the players had moved on from the changes.
“It wasn’t difficult,” Babar said after the toss. He added that the Test was an opportunity for the players to show their mettle.
Pakistan now have one final chance to avoid a clean sweep.
England, however, will enter the match as clear favourites after controlling both previous Tests. For Pakistan, the Edgbaston match is also an opportunity to begin rebuilding after a dramatic reset.
Playing XI
ENGLAND: Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (captain), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue.
PAKISTAN: Azan Awais, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (captain), Saud Shakeel, Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Razaullah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Abbas.
