By Urdu Report Editorial Team
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made seven changes to the Test squad following Pakistan’s 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s.
Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Owais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have been released from the squad.
They will be replaced by Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Imran Junior, Saad Baig, Imran Randhawa and Razaullah. The seven replacements will join the squad before the third Test.
Coaching changes
The PCB has also removed Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach and Umar Gul as bowling coach.
Mike Hesson will take charge as head coach, while Ashley Noffke will become the bowling coach. Hesson already serves as Pakistan’s white-ball coach and will now oversee red-ball cricket as well.
Imam-ul-Haq faces criticism
Imam-ul-Haq was ruled out of the remainder of the Lord’s Test after suffering a low-grade calf strain while fielding on the opening day.
He did not bat in Pakistan’s second innings, despite being seen practising on the sidelines before the fourth day. Commentator Stuart Broad questioned the decision and said the practice appeared more like an attempt to be seen by the media and fans.
Pakistan ultimately lost the match by 194 runs and fell 2-0 behind in the three-Test series.
Saud Shakeel scored 97 in the second innings, but England bowled Pakistan out for 194 while defending a target of 389.
Ollie Robinson took four wickets for 24 runs in the second innings and finished the match with eight wickets for 35 runs.
The third and final Test will begin at Edgbaston on Wednesday, September 9.
