EDGBASTON (Kashmir English): Media reports suggest Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson is yet to finalise the playing XI for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston, with several changes expected following the team’s heavy defeat at Lord’s.
The final Test of the series is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 9, but Hesson has reportedly remained undecided over the combination after two days of training in Birmingham.
Several Changes Expected in Pakistan XI
Pakistan suffered a 194-run defeat in the Lord’s Test, after which seven players were reportedly dropped from the squad. As a result, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, opener Imam-ul-Haq, fast bowler Khurram Shahzad and spinner Ali Usman are expected to be replaced in the playing XI.
According to media reports, Ghazi Ghauri is almost certain to make his Test debut behind the stumps.
Left-handed opener Saim Ayub, who last played a Test against South Africa in Cape Town in January 2025, is also reportedly in contention to partner Azan Owais at the top of the order.
The reports further suggest that experienced right-arm spinner Sajid Khan could be preferred over 21-year-old all-rounder Arafat Minhas, who has represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old fast bowler Obaid Shah, who made his Test debut against the West Indies in Port of Spain in August 2026, is reportedly a strong candidate to feature in his second Test.
