Pakistan releases seven players, including Rizwan and Imam, after second Test defeat in England

Pakistan’s selectors have made sweeping changes before the final Test against England, releasing seven squad members after two heavy defeats left the visitors trailing 2-0 in the series.

Mohammad Rizwan, Imamul Haq and Salman Ali Agha were among those dropped after England won at Lord’s by 194 runs. England had already beaten Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the opening Test at Headingley, securing the series with one match still to play.

The Pakistan Cricket Board named seven replacements. The group includes Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, who have played eight and two Tests respectively, as well as five players without a Test cap. They are Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jr., wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran, also known as Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah.

The changes also reach the coaching staff. Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been relieved of their duties, with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke taking their places. The third Test is scheduled for Sept. 9 in Birmingham, where Pakistan will field a reshaped squad led by Babar Azam.