KARACHI: Pakistan head into the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston on Wednesday with their preparations clouded by a string of omissions that have left the touring side short of experience and facing the prospect of a first Test-series clean sweep in England.
England lead the series and have a chance to complete a 3-0 victory, something they have failed to achieve against Pakistan on home soil despite coming close twice.
England won four of five Tests in 1962 but Pakistan drew one match to avoid a sweep. In 2006, England won three of four, with another draw again denying them a clean sweep.
The opportunity is now firmly in England’s hands, with Pakistan entering the Birmingham Test after a difficult period in which seven players and two key coaches were left out of the touring party following the defeat at Lord’s.
The changes have left head coach Mike Hesson working with a squad that must be rebuilt quickly before the series finale.
Pakistan have spent the last few days training in Birmingham, where Hesson will be looking to settle on a combination capable of competing with an England attack that has consistently tested their batting.
The absence of wicket-keeper batsman Mohammad Rizwan, injured opener Imam-ul-Haq and Agha Salman has opened several positions in the side.
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal and wicket-keeper Mohammad Ghazi Ghori are among those available to fill the gaps. Ghori, who has played four one-day internationals, is expected to make his Test debut.
Saim’s return will be closely watched. The left-hander last featured in a Test against South Africa in Cape Town in January 2025 but did not bat after suffering an ankle injury that kept him out of international cricket for an extended period.
Abdullah Fazal, meanwhile, has played two Tests against Bangladesh. He made an encouraging start with half-centuries in the first Test in Mirpur but struggled in Sylhet while batting at number three.
Hesson could opt for limited changes in Birmingham, bringing in one additional batter alongside a new wicket-keeper rather than making wholesale alterations to a struggling team.
Pakistan’s batting has been the major concern on the tour. Saud Shakeel’s determined 97 in the second innings at Lord’s and Azan Awais’s 46 in the first innings were among a few substantial contributions.
The bowling attack has offered greater encouragement. Mohammad Abbas has been Pakistan’s most consistent bowler, while Mohammad Ali has provided valuable support.
Young fast bowler Ubaid Shah could also come into consideration. Quicker than Abbas and Ali, the 20-year-old has already played a Test on Pakistan’s West Indies tour and has had time to adjust to the conditions in England.
Hesson has spin options in Sajid Khan and Arafat Minhas.
Pakistan’s task is made harder by England’s strong record at Edgbaston. The two teams have played seven Tests at the venue, with England winning five and the other two ending in draws.
For England, victory would not only complete the series but also end a long wait for a clean sweep over Pakistan on home soil.
For Pakistan, it is an opportunity to halt a deteriorating campaign before the changes made to the squad become the defining story of their tour.
