Pakistan vs England 3rd Test: Squad Changes, Dropped Players & New Additions
Pakistan have made major changes to their Test squad ahead of the third Test against England. Seven players have been released from the touring squad while several new faces have been added as Pakistan look to respond after a difficult start to the series. The changes have also brought fresh attention to Pakistan’s team selection and plans for the next match.
Updated squad includes experienced players as well as young and uncapped cricketers who could get an important opportunity in England. Saim Ayub has returned to the Test setup while players such as Saad Baig and Arafat Minhas have also been brought into the squad. The coaching setup has changed as well with Mike Hesson taking charge for the third Test.
This article covers the complete Pakistan squad changes before the third Test including the seven players released the new additions coaching changes and the expected playing XI. It also explains why Pakistan made these decisions and what they could mean for the team in the crucial third Test against England.
Pakistan Drops 7 Players Ahead of England 3rd Test
Pakistan have made a major change to their Test squad ahead of the third match against England. Seven players have been released from the touring squad as the team management looks to make a fresh start after a challenging series. The decision has created significant changes in the group and opened the door for new players to join the squad.
The seven players released from the squad are Mohammad Rizwan, Imam ul Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal Ali Usman Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad. Some of these players had been part of Pakistan’s recent Test plans while others were competing for regular places in the team. Their release means Pakistan will enter the third Test with a significantly different squad from the one used earlier in the series.
The changes also give Pakistan an opportunity to test new combinations before the third Test. Several players have been added to the squad including Saim Ayub Abdullah Fazal Arafat Minhas Saad Baig Mohammad Imran and other emerging players. With both experienced and uncapped cricketers now involved the third Test could give Pakistan a new direction for the remainder of the England series.
H3– Which Seven Pakistan Players Were Released Before the Third Test?
Pakistan released seven players from their Test squad ahead of the third Test against England. The decision has changed the team combination and reduced the number of established players available for the next match. The players released are Mohammad Rizwan Imam ul Haq Salman Ali Agha Aamir Jamal Ali Usman Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan | Wicketkeeper batter |
| Imam ul Haq | Opening batter |
| Salman Ali Agha | All rounder |
| Aamir Jamal | All rounder |
| Ali Usman | Batter |
| Muhammad Awais Zafar | Batter |
| Khurram Shahzad | Fast bowler |
The decision includes players from different areas of the team which means Pakistan will need to build a new combination for the third Test. The release of Mohammad Rizwan is particularly notable because he has been an important wicketkeeper batter for Pakistan while Imam ul Haq has also been part of the team’s batting plans.
The changes also create opportunities for younger players and new selections. Pakistan can now test a different balance in the batting bowling and wicketkeeping departments as they prepare for the third Test against England.
Pakistan New Players Added to the Squad for the 3rd Test
Pakistan have brought several new players into the Test squad ahead of the third match against England. The changes are aimed at giving the team a fresh combination after seven players were released from the touring group. The updated squad includes a mix of players with previous international experience and young cricketers who are looking for their opportunity at Test level.
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | Returning Test player |
| Abdullah Fazal | Previously capped |
| Arafat Minhas | Uncapped |
| Mohammad Imran Jnr | Uncapped |
| Saad Baig | Uncapped |
| Mohammad Imran | Uncapped |
| Razaullah | Uncapped |
The selection of these players gives Pakistan more options in batting bowling and wicketkeeping. Saim Ayub brings previous Test experience while Abdullah Fazal also has international exposure. The inclusion of Arafat Minhas Saad Baig and the other uncapped players gives the team an opportunity to introduce fresh talent during an important stage of the England series.
These additions could also lead to changes in Pakistan’s playing XI for the third Test. The final combination will depend on team balance conditions and the players selected for the match. For the new players this is an important opportunity to show that they can perform at the highest level and become part of Pakistan’s future Test plans.
Which New Players Have Been Called Up by Pakistan for England?
Pakistan have called up seven players to strengthen and reshape the Test squad for the third match against England. The new group includes Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal who have previous international experience along with several players who are yet to make their Test debut. Their inclusion gives Pakistan more options as the team prepares for an important match in the series.
| Player | Test Status | Main Role |
|---|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | Previously capped | Opening batter |
| Abdullah Fazal | Previously capped | Batter |
| Arafat Minhas | Uncapped | All rounder |
| Mohammad Imran Jnr | Uncapped | Fast bowler |
| Saad Baig | Uncapped | Wicketkeeper batter |
| Mohammad Imran | Uncapped | Fast bowler |
| Razaullah | Uncapped | Fast bowler |
Saim Ayub is one of the most notable additions because of his previous experience with Pakistan at Test level. Abdullah Fazal also provides additional batting depth while the uncapped players give the selectors more choices in different areas of the squad.
For the younger players this call up is an important opportunity to work with the national team and compete for a place in the playing XI. Their inclusion also gives Pakistan the chance to look beyond the players used earlier in the series and consider new combinations for the third Test.
Saim Ayub Returns to Pakistan Test Squad for England
Saim Ayub has returned to Pakistan Test squad for the third Test against England after being brought back into the team during the latest squad changes. His inclusion gives Pakistan another option at the top of the batting order and adds a player who has already experienced Test cricket. His return comes at an important stage of the series as Pakistan look to strengthen their batting combination.
Ayub has earned attention for his aggressive batting style and ability to score quickly when he settles at the crease. He can play an important role in giving Pakistan a positive start against England’s bowling attack. His ability to contribute in the field also adds value to the overall team combination.
His return does not guarantee a place in the final playing XI because Pakistan still have to decide their best combination for the third Test. However his presence gives the selectors another experienced option and could become an important part of Pakistan’s plans as they prepare for the next match in England.
Saad Baig Named in Pakistan Test Squad for England
Saad Baig has been added to Pakistan Test squad for the third Test against England as part of the team’s major changes before the match. His selection gives Pakistan another wicketkeeping option after Mohammad Rizwan was released from the squad. It is also an important opportunity for Baig to work with the national side and push for a place in the playing XI.
Baig is a young wicketkeeper batter who has represented Pakistan at youth level and has built experience through domestic and age group cricket. His selection reflects Pakistan’s decision to give younger players an opportunity while making changes to the Test squad. He can provide depth behind the stumps as well as an additional batting option in the middle order.
If selected for the third Test Baig could make his Test debut in England which would be a major step in his international career. The final decision will depend on Pakistan’s team combination and match conditions but his inclusion gives the selectors a fresh wicketkeeping option for an important Test.
Arafat Minhas Set for a Potential Pakistan Test Debut
Arafat Minhas has been called up to Pakistan Test squad for the third Test against England as part of the team’s major squad changes. His selection gives Pakistan another young option in the all rounder department and puts him in contention for his first Test appearance. If he is selected in the playing XI the match could mark an important step in his international career.
Minhas has gained recognition through his performances in domestic cricket and Pakistan’s age group setup. He is a left handed batter who can also contribute with his left arm spin which gives him value as an all round option. His ability to contribute in more than one department could help Pakistan build a balanced combination for English conditions.
A potential Test debut against England would be a major challenge for Minhas because Test cricket demands patience discipline and consistency over long periods. However his inclusion gives Pakistan the chance to assess his ability at the highest level and could help the team identify another young player for its future Test plans.
Why Did Pakistan Change Its Test Squad Before the 3rd Test?
Pakistan changed its Test squad before the third Test to give the team a fresh combination after a difficult period in the series. The selectors released seven players and brought in a number of new faces which allows Pakistan to look at different options before the final match. The changes also create opportunities for younger players who could become part of the team’s future Test plans.
Injuries and player availability were also important factors in the reshuffle. Imam ul Haq was dealing with an injury issue while the release of established players such as Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha created space for the selectors to test different combinations. Pakistan also needed to consider the balance between batting bowling wicketkeeping and all round options when preparing the new squad.
The changes show that Pakistan are looking for a better combination rather than simply continuing with the same group of players. The third Test therefore becomes an important opportunity for the new squad to prove itself and for the selectors to identify players who can perform consistently in Test cricket.
Sarfaraz Ahmed Released From Pakistan Test Coaching Role
Pakistan have made another major change to their Test setup ahead of the third Test against England by releasing Sarfaraz Ahmed from the coaching staff. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have both been released following the completion of the second Test at Lord’s. The decision is part of a wider change in the backroom staff as Pakistan prepare for the final Test of the series.
Sarfaraz Ahmed had been working with the Pakistan Test team after ending his international playing career earlier in 2026. He brought valuable experience from a long international career in which he played 54 Tests and captained Pakistan in all three formats. He also led Pakistan to the ICC Champions Trophy title in 2017 which remains one of the biggest achievements of his career.
The change means Pakistan will enter the third Test with a different coaching setup. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke have been brought in to replace Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul in the backroom staff. With Pakistan already 2 0 down in the three match series the new coaching combination will have an important role in helping the team prepare for the final Test at Edgbaston.
Why Pakistan Released Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul Before the Third Test
Pakistan released head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul as part of a major change to the Test setup after England took an unassailable 2 0 lead in the three match series. The decision came after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the first two Tests including a 194 run loss at Lord’s. Pakistan’s batting struggled throughout the series and the team failed to score more than 200 runs in any innings of the first two Tests.
The coaching changes were made alongside the decision to release seven players from the Test squad. Sarfaraz Ahmed had only taken charge as Pakistan’s Test head coach in April 2026 so his release came after a relatively short period in the role. Umar Gul was also removed from his position as bowling coach as Pakistan looked for a different approach before the final Test.
Pakistan have brought in Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke to lead the coaching setup for the third Test. Hesson who was already Pakistan’s white ball head coach will take charge of the Test side while Noffke will handle the bowling responsibilities. The changes give Pakistan a completely different coaching combination for the final match and provide the team with an opportunity to respond after a disappointing start to the England series.
Mike Hesson Takes Charge of Pakistan Test Team Coach
Mike Hesson has taken charge of Pakistan Test team for the third Test against England after the Pakistan Cricket Board made major changes to the coaching setup. Hesson was already serving as Pakistan white ball head coach but has now been given responsibility for the Test side following the release of Sarfaraz Ahmed. The change comes after England secured a 2 0 series lead with Pakistan struggling for consistency in the first two Tests.
Hesson brings considerable international coaching experience to the role. He previously coached New Zealand and has also worked with teams in franchise cricket. His main challenge will be to quickly understand the new Test squad and prepare the players for a different approach in the final match. Pakistan have also appointed Ashley Noffke to handle the bowling responsibilities after Umar Gul was released from the coaching setup.
The third Test will give Hesson an immediate opportunity to influence Pakistan performance. With seven players released and several new players added to the squad the team will have a very different look from the first two Tests. Hesson will need to find the right balance between experience and new talent while helping Pakistan finish the England tour with a strong performance at Edgbaston.
Pakistan vs England 3rd Test: Full Squad and Playing XI
Pakistan will enter the third and final Test against England with a heavily changed squad after the Pakistan Cricket Board released seven players following the second Test at Lord’s. The updated squad contains 17 players with a mixture of experienced cricketers and new faces. Babar Azam remains the captain while Saim Ayub Abdullah Fazal Arafat Minhas and Saad Baig are among the players added to the group.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Batter and captain |
| Abdullah Fazal | Batter |
| Abdullah Shafique | Batter |
| Arafat Minhas | All rounder |
| Azan Awais | Batter |
| Mohammad Abbas | Fast bowler |
| Mohammad Ali | Fast bowler |
| Muhammad Imran | Pace bowling all rounder |
| Mohammad Imran Jnr | Fast bowler |
| Muhammad Ghazi Ghori | Wicketkeeper |
| Razaullah | Pace bowling all rounder |
| Saad Baig | Wicketkeeper batter |
| Saim Ayub | Opening batter |
| Sajid Khan | Spinner |
| Saud Shakeel | Batter |
| Shan Masood | Batter |
| Ubaid Shah | Fast bowler |
The final playing XI will be confirmed before the Test begins at Edgbaston in Birmingham on September 9. Pakistan now have several selection decisions to make because the new squad includes multiple options in batting bowling wicketkeeping and all round roles. Saim Ayub could provide an attacking option at the top while Saad Baig and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori give Pakistan additional wicketkeeping choices.
Based on the updated squad Pakistan could consider a combination built around Shan Masood and Saim Ayub at the top with Babar Azam Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel providing further batting depth. Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali are among the experienced pace options while Sajid Khan can provide spin support. However the final XI will depend on the pitch conditions team balance and the plans of the new coaching staff under Mike Hesson.
FAQs:
Why did Pakistan drop seven players before the third Test against England?
Pakistan reshuffled the squad to create a fresh team combination and give new players an opportunity.Which seven players were released from Pakistan’s squad for the third Test?
Mohammad Rizwan, Imam ul Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Ali Usman, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were released.Who are the new players added to Pakistan’s squad for the third Test?
Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah were added.Is Saim Ayub playing in Pakistan’s third Test against England?
Saim Ayub has been added to the squad but his place in the final playing XI will depend on the team selection.Will Saad Baig make his Test debut against England?
Saad Baig could make his Test debut but Pakistan will confirm the final playing XI before the match.Who is Pakistan’s coach for the third Test against England?
Mike Hesson will take charge of Pakistan’s Test team for the third Test against England.