Pakistan will enter the third and decisive Test against England with a new-look squad, fresh coaching staff and a message from captain Babar Azam to play without fear as they seek to salvage some pride after two heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord's.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) responded to their dire run of form by replacing seven players from the touring party and two coaches after their disastrous show at Lord's, the Times of India reported.
Five uncapped players have been named in the squad for the Edgbaston Test, which starts on Thursday, while Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will take charge of the side.
Babar Azam Urges Pakistan To Move On From England Test Failures
With Pakistan already losing 0-2, Babar thinks the changes could give the newbies a chance to shine.
“The series is lost, but we have nothing to lose,” said Babar Azam in the eve of the Test. “We should play freely and believe in our game as a team.”
The Pakistan captain was surprised by the magnitude of the changes. “It was a big surprise to me. I was not aware of it (the reasons behind the changes).”
The Pakistan captain asked the PCB to explain the reasons behind the changes.
“The PCB decided it, so they will be able to explain it better. The PCB's decision must have resulted from extensive contemplation and deliberation. It's better if you inquire about the reasons from them,” said Babar.
However, for now, Babar just focuses on helping the new team to deliver on the field and get back to winning ways. The new boys have spent two days with the senior team and are ready to show what they can offer.
“We have practiced a couple of days and also explained the new boys. Any youngster who comes in is enthusiastic, and this is reflected in his game. I believe, too, that will be seen on the pitch as well,” said Babar on Wednesday.
Pakistan has had too many issues in the first two Tests, and he feels they have to address them. “We did not play well as a team in all three areas. And when you do not deliver, you face criticism from all around. But we did what we thought was right in each situation,” he added.
The selection policy made for the first two Tests has also been questioned, but the batsmen defended the decisions taken for the Tests. They said they have always backed the best XI to handle the conditions.
“We read the conditions, and we selected the XIs we felt confident in for the matches. We didn't have the outcomes or performances we were hoping for,” said Babar.
Babar was rested for the Headingley Test as he was nursing a finger injury but made a return in the Lord's Test. However, the batsmen only managed to post eight and six runs before being bowled out for a humiliating 194. Ahead of the final Test, he feels it is up to the senior players to rally the inexperienced members.
“I believe you have to create opportunities and deliver when the going gets tough,” said Babar. “That's why we play this sport; for the opportunity to excel and dominate in challenging circumstances.”
“We need to move on from the setbacks and look forward to the game ahead.” Pakistan's new head coach Mickey Arthur and the bowling coach Steve Harmison will lead the team in the absence of the head coach and the bowling coach.
With Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad all dropped, Pakistan will have to contend with a completely new set of players in Birmingham to avoid a series defeat.
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PCB Inquiry Adds To Pakistan's Off-Field Uncertainty
Changes were not limited to the playing and coaching staff as the PCB launched an internal inquiry into “disciplinary and conduct” issues, casting further doubt on Pakistan's preparations for the final Test against England.
Despite the challenges, England captain Joe Root has no complaints about Pakistan's efforts in the series.
“We've found Pakistan a challenge,” said Root, quipping that it was not easy for either team. “I think (the criticism of Pakistan) is a bit disrespectful to both teams.”
“I don't think we have let them in the games as much as we have been let in because of how well we have played and how well we have read the conditions and the surfaces that we have had.”
Now, Pakistan has little to win in the Edgbaston Test as the series result is already set in stone. However, the new captain believes that it will help them to move on from the disruptions and finish the series on a positive note.