Pakistan are set to make several changes to their playing XI for the third and final Test at Edgbaston, following a significant reshuffle to the squad after the Lord’s Test. With seven changes made to the wider group, captain Babar Azam faces a series of selection decisions before the decisive match begins.
The scale of the changes means Pakistan could field a markedly different side from the one that appeared at Lord’s. Several established players are expected to retain their places, while injuries, squad additions and tactical considerations have opened the door for a number of newcomers.
Azan Awais, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel are expected to remain in the side. The opening position alongside Azan, however, is less certain.
Imam-ul-Haq was listed as the other opener at Lord’s but did not bat in either innings because of injury. His absence has created an opening for either Abdullah Fazal or Saim Ayub, both of whom joined the squad after the Lord’s Test.
Fazal had been expected to be part of the squad earlier in the series but was unavailable because of injury. Ayub, meanwhile, has returned to the Test set-up after spending time playing in the Caribbean Premier League. His inclusion would mark a significant return to Test cricket, with his most recent appearance in the format coming 18 months ago.
Pakistan’s batting order appears relatively settled through number six. The wicketkeeping position is where another notable change could occur.
Mohammad Rizwan was left out of the squad after the Lord’s Test, potentially paving the way for Ghazi Ghori to make his Test debut at number seven. Ghori made his international debut in an ODI against Bangladesh in March and has played four matches for Pakistan in the format. He has yet to feature in Test cricket.
The bowling department could see even greater changes. Twenty-one-year-old fast bowler Rajaullah is in contention for his first Test appearance. His potential debut would add another inexperienced but promising option to Pakistan’s pace resources.
Sajid Khan is expected to shoulder the main responsibility for spin if Pakistan decide to include a specialist spinner. The alternative would be an all-pace attack, with Saim Ayub’s off-spin providing a part-time option should the conditions or match situation require it.
Ubaid Shah is another strong candidate for selection. The young fast bowler, who missed the first two Tests, is capable of bowling at speeds above 140 kilometres per hour. His omission from the earlier matches had drawn criticism from selection committee chief Aaqib Javed, making his potential inclusion at Edgbaston particularly noteworthy.
Mohammad Abbas is also expected to feature in the pace attack, bringing greater experience to a bowling unit that could otherwise contain several younger players. If Pakistan opt not to field a specialist spinner, Mohammad Ali could also be included to strengthen the pace-heavy approach.
The final combination will depend on how Pakistan assess the conditions at Edgbaston and the balance they want between pace and spin. The possible return of Saim Ayub, a potential Test debut for Ghazi Ghori and Rajaullah, and the prospect of Ubaid Shah finally entering the XI could give Pakistan a substantially different look in the series finale.
With the match representing the final Test of the series, Babar and the team management must find the right balance between continuity and change. Their selections will determine whether Pakistan rely on established players or use the opportunity to introduce several fresh faces at Edgbaston.
