Pakistan are expected to make several changes to their playing XI for the third and final Test at Edgbaston, with seven alterations already made to the squad following the Lord’s match. The reshuffle has left captain Babar Azam with several selection decisions to make ahead of the series finale.
The changes have particularly affected the opening and bowling combinations. While a core group of established players is expected to retain its place, injuries, squad additions and tactical considerations could result in a noticeably different Pakistan side taking the field at Edgbaston.
Azan Awais, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel are expected to keep their places in the batting order. The uncertainty centres on who will partner Azan at the top of the innings.
Imam-ul-Haq opened alongside Azan at Lord’s, but an injury prevented him from batting in either innings. His fitness concerns have created an opportunity for either Abdullah Fazal or Saim Ayub to come into the XI.
Fazal had originally been expected to be part of Pakistan’s plans for the series, but an injury ruled him out of the opening two Tests. With his availability now restored, he is among the contenders to replace Imam.
Ayub represents another intriguing option. He has returned to the Test squad directly from the Caribbean Premier League and has not played Test cricket for 18 months. His return would give Pakistan a left-handed option at the top of the order, while also adding a useful part-time bowling option.
Beyond the opening position, Pakistan’s batting line-up is expected to remain settled through number six. The wicketkeeper’s position, however, could bring another significant change.
Mohammad Rizwan was left out of the squad after the Lord’s Test, creating an opportunity for Ghazi Ghori to make his Test debut. Ghori made his international debut against Bangladesh in an ODI in March and has played four matches for Pakistan in the format. He has yet to appear in a Test.
If selected, Ghori is likely to bat at number seven. His inclusion would represent one of the most significant changes to Pakistan’s side, given his lack of experience in the longest format.
The bowling department could also feature fresh faces. Twenty-one-year-old fast bowler Rajaullah is in contention for his first Test cap. His potential debut would add youth to an attack that could undergo considerable restructuring for the final match.
Sajid Khan is the leading candidate to provide the specialist off-spin option. Pakistan could, however, choose to field a pace-heavy attack instead. In that scenario, Ayub’s off-spin could provide a secondary option if the team require some variation during the match.
Ubaid Shah is another bowler pushing for selection. The young quick, who was not picked for either of the first two Tests, is capable of bowling at more than 140 kilometres per hour. His pace could offer Pakistan an additional threat, particularly if the team decide to strengthen their fast-bowling resources.
Aaqib Javed, the head of the selection committee, had previously criticised the decision not to select Ubaid for the earlier Tests. That has added to speculation that the youngster could finally be handed an opportunity at Edgbaston.
Mohammad Abbas is also expected to remain part of the bowling plans, providing experience alongside the younger options. If Pakistan decide against selecting a specialist spinner, Mohammad Ali could also come into consideration, potentially giving the side an all-pace attack.
The final combination will depend on Pakistan’s assessment of the conditions and the balance they want from their bowling unit. The possibility of a new opening partnership, a Test debut for Ghazi Ghori and Rajaullah, and the inclusion of Ubaid Shah means Pakistan could look substantially different from the side seen at Lord’s.
For Babar Azam, the challenge will be to combine continuity with the fresh options now available to him. With the series entering its final Test, the selection decisions at Edgbaston could have a significant bearing on Pakistan’s approach to the match.
