Pakistan release head coach, seven players ahead of third Test against England

The tourists were beaten by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord's, leaving them facing a potential 3-0 series whitewash when the teams meet at Edgbaston from 9 September.

Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad, who all featured in the series, have been sent home, alongside Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Zafar, who did not play.

Imam was injured during the Lord's Test, while Salman captained in the opener in the absence of Babar Azam before being dropped for the second match.

Seven replacements have been brought into the squad, including five players yet to make their Test debuts. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal return with eight and two Test appearances respectively, while Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah are all newcomers at this level.

The coaching staff has also been overhauled, with white-ball coach Mike Hesson taking charge alongside former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke.

The changes come after Pakistan were bowled out for fewer than 200 in each of their four innings so far. Their difficult tour has also been overshadowed by controversy, including a threat from the Pakistan Cricket Board to abandon the second Test after an interview with the sons of former captain and prime minister Imran Khan was broadcast by Sky.

Pakistan ultimately completed the match, with captain Babar and Sarfaraz denying knowledge of any proposed boycott.

The visitors must now regroup quickly as they attempt to prevent England from completing a series sweep at Edgbaston.

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