Facing sharp criticism worldwide after suffering two consecutive Test match losses on English soil, the Pakistan Cricket Board has taken a major step by asking white-ball coach Mike Hesson to take charge of the Test team as well. The upcoming third Test match is scheduled to be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham starting from September 9.
Sarfraz Ahmed and Umar Gul Removed
In the wake of these poor results, current Test coach Sarfraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been removed from their coaching roles, though they will continue travelling with the squad. England currently holds an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Upcoming Matches in Sri Lanka and New Zealand
New Zealand-born Hesson is reportedly already in England and is expected to join the team shortly. Hesson will coach the side during two matches in Sri Lanka in November and two matches in New Zealand early next year. This will conclude Pakistan's campaign in the current WTC cycle, as the team has already been eliminated from the race for the WTC final.
Three Senior Players Sent Back
The team management has also made drastic changes to the playing roster by releasing three senior players from the Test squad currently touring England, including former white-ball captain Salman Agha. Strict action was taken due to a combination of fitness issues, poor form, and disciplinary concerns. Along with Agha, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq have also been released from the squad.
New Additions to the Squad
Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have been called up for the third Test match. If UK visas are arranged in time, four more players including fast bowlers Razaullah Khan and Mohammad Imran, left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas, and wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir are set to join the team in England.
