Pakistan Overhaul Squad and Coaching Setup After Lord's Defeat

Pakistan have made significant changes to their Test squad and coaching arrangements following their heavy defeat to England at Lord's, which gave the hosts an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Batters Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq have been sent home ahead of the final Test at Edgbaston, starting September 9. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also called up six domestic performers, including Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas, for the match, as reported by multiple outlets.

The team's response comes after England secured a 194-run victory at Lord's on Sunday. Chasing 389 for victory, Pakistan were bowled out for 194 in their second innings, with Saud Shakeel top-scoring with 97 runs. His dismissal, caught on the boundary, ended Pakistan's hopes of an unlikely fightback. The 97 is the highest individual score by either team in the series so far. England had earlier won the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs.

Rizwan's form has come under scrutiny, with his dismissal for just one run in the second innings at Lord's, bowled by Ollie Robinson, adding to concerns. Questions have also been raised about Imam-ul-Haq's fitness. Imam remained off the field after tea on the opening day of the Lord's Test and did not return during the match. Salman Agha came on as his substitute, and Imam did not bat in Pakistan's first innings, which ended with the team scoring only 110 runs.

In a post on X, journalist Khaliq said: "Questions are being raised over Imam-ul-Haq's 'suspicious injury.' It was expected that he would come out to bat in difficult circumstances yesterday, but despite receiving painkiller injections, he did not take part in the match. Along with Imam-ul-Haq, a decision has also been made to send Mohammad Rizwan back home due to his irresponsible batting."

Khaliq also revealed that "the patience of PCB officials has reportedly run out following the team's below-par performance on the England tour. As an emergency measure, six cricketers have been called up from Pakistan, including Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas. The others will be sent once they receive their visas."

The coaching setup has also been reshuffled. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson is reportedly set to oversee the Test side, according to a report by Geo News, which stated that the PCB has asked Hesson to look after the red-ball team. Hesson is expected to be present in the dressing room for the Edgbaston Test. He had initially traveled to London with Pakistan's Director of High Performance, Aqib Javed.

Khaliq stated: "The white-ball head coach, Mike Hesson, will take charge during the third Test against England, while Sarfaraz Ahmed will also remain with the team."

Geo News also reported that former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, currently the Test head coach, could be removed from his position after the England tour. "It is highly likely that after the ODI and T20 series, Mike Hesson will also take over the coaching responsibilities of the Test team, and Sarfaraz Ahmed will be removed from coaching the Test team after the England tour," the report stated.

The PCB has not officially confirmed Hesson's reported involvement with the Test side or indicated whether he will take over the role permanently. It also remains unclear whether his presence at Edgbaston would be a one-off arrangement or the first step towards a wider restructuring of Pakistan's coaching setup.

The third Test at Edgbaston, scheduled from September 9 to 13, will give Pakistan one final chance to avoid a 3-0 series defeat.

Sarfaraz had previously admitted that the team's inability to spend enough time at the crease was a major concern. England were bowled out for 208 in their second innings on Sunday, with Mohammad Abbas taking his eighth five-wicket haul in the match.

The victory gave England their first Test series win since December 2024.