Pakistan axes coach Sarfaraz, seven players

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has dismissed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and sent seven players home after two heavy test defeats to England. White-ball coach Mike Hesson will now lead the test side for the final match of the series in Birmingham starting September 9. You can view the updated squad for this crucial fixtures.

Former captains Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha are among the players removed from the squad. Opener Imam ul-Haq has also been replaced due to a left calf tear, adding to the team's injuries concerns. The board's statement confirmed the sweeping changes on Monday, August 31.

Pakistan suffered an innings and 103-run loss in the first test. They then lost the second test at Lord's by 194 runs on Sunday.

Batting failures prompt overhaul

Pakistan's batting collapsed repeatedly. None of Pakistan's innings across the two tests reached 200 runs, a stark figure evident in the team's stats. Saud Shakeel offered the only significant resistance, scoring 97 runs in a defiant effort to avoid defeat at Lord's.

Alongside Rizwan, Agha, and ul-Haq, the PCB also sent home Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad. The board stated the changes were made following the two substantial losses.

New faces join the squad

Five uncapped players have been called up to the squad for the third test. They will hope to make their debuts in Birmingham.

The PCB provided details on the experience levels of some incoming players. Batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have played eight and two Tests respectively. Left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is.

The other uncapped players joining the squad are Mohammad Imran Junior, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah.

Updated squad for Birmingham test

The PCB released the full, updated squad for the final match. Babar Azam remains as captain, with Saud Shakeel retained after his performance at Lord's.

Mike Hesson, the new test coach, already serves as the country's white-ball coach. Sarfaraz Ahmed had only been appointed as head coach of the test team in April. The third test against England begins on September 9 as Pakistan look to improve their position in the standings.