Birmingham: England have retained the bulk of their squad for the third and final Test against Pakistan, with the match scheduled to begin at Edgbaston on September 9.
The hosts have already secured the three-match series after winning the opening two Tests and will now look to complete a 3-0 sweep. The England and Wales Cricket Board has made just one change to the group that featured in the second Test at Lord’s, with fast bowler Matt Fisher omitted from the 15-member squad.
The remainder of the group has retained its place as England opt for continuity ahead of the series finale.
Carse Remains Out of the Squad
Fast bowler Brydon Carse has again been left out of England’s plans for the final Test.
Carse was dropped from the squad for the second Test following an incident in Derby that resulted in him being arrested before subsequently being de-arrested. Footage relating to the incident circulated on social media ahead of the Lord’s Test.
He has not been recalled for the Edgbaston match, meaning England will continue with the pace options that were available during the second Test.
Baker Retains His Place
Young fast bowler Sonny Baker, who joined the England setup for the second Test as Carse’s replacement, has retained his place.
Baker’s continued inclusion gives England another pace option as they seek to maintain the momentum that has carried them to a commanding series position.
England won the opening Test by an innings before producing another convincing performance at Lord’s, where they registered a 194-run victory to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Pakistan Make Major Changes
While England have largely stayed with the same group, Pakistan have taken a very different approach following their two defeats.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has made substantial changes to both its coaching staff and playing squad ahead of the final Test. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been released from their positions, with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke taking charge of the respective roles for the revised setup.
Pakistan have also made several changes to their playing group. Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Awais Jaffar and Khurram Shahzad have been left out ahead of the Edgbaston Test.
Fresh Faces Added to Pakistan Squad
Pakistan have responded by bringing in Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal and five uncapped players — Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Junior, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah.
The reshaped squad has relatively limited Test experience, with the incoming players having played only a small number of matches at the format. Their inclusion represents a significant change in direction following Pakistan’s disappointing start to the series.
The final Test will therefore provide several players with an opportunity to establish themselves in the national setup, while the newly reorganised coaching team will also face an immediate challenge.
England Squad for Edgbaston
England’s 15-member squad for the third Test is:
Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue.
With the series already secured, England will be aiming to finish the campaign with another victory and complete a clean sweep.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will be desperate to avoid a 3-0 defeat and will enter Edgbaston with a significantly altered squad and coaching structure. The September 9 Test could therefore prove important not only for the series result but also for the direction of Pakistan’s Test team going forward.
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