Full Breakdown
Pakistan’s Tour in Turmoil Ahead of the Third Test at Edgbaston
9/9/2026, 2:03:08 AM
Core Event
White-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australian seamer Ashley Noffke have been appointed to oversee the Test side for the third match against England at Edgbaston, which began on September 9. England entered the fixture with a 2-0 lead after victories at Headingley and Lord’s.
Background & Context
Pakistan’s tour unraveled after heavy defeats: an innings loss by 103 runs at Headingley followed by a 194-run loss at Lord’s. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent home former captains Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha, opener Imam-ul-Haq, spinner Ali Usman, all-rounder Aamer Jamal, bowler Awais Zafar and fast-bowler Khurram Shahzad. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also dismissed. Hesson, previously in charge of Pakistan’s white-ball teams, assumed the Test head-coach role, while Noffke was added as test-bowling coach.
Data & Statistics
- Pakistan’s four innings in England yielded 171, 135, 110 and 194 runs, none exceeding 200.
- The team’s overall Test win-loss ratio fell to 0.993 – the first time in nearly four decades it dropped below 1.0.
- Seven players were sent home and seven replacements called up; five of the newcomers have no prior Test experience.
- England’s seam attack has dominated: Ollie Robinson has taken 16 wickets at an average of 7.18, while Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue have featured in all five Tests.
Official Statements & Responses
England captain Joe Root called the suggestion that Pakistan had shown “no fight” “disrespectful” and said there was “not a lot out there” in terms of footage on the new Pakistani players.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam said the wholesale changes were “news to me,” learning of them only after the PCB’s announcement, and framed the overhaul as a “fresh chance” for the newcomers.
Mike Hesson acknowledged the “challenging” atmosphere in the hotel, with players arriving and departing in quick succession, but expressed confidence that the group could adapt.
Criticism & Opposition
Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur criticised the PCB’s “knee-jerk reactions,” arguing that constant changes to players, coaches and selectors have created instability.
On-the-Ground Reports
He noted that the new fast bowlers, including Razaullah and Ubaid Shah, have shown “pace” and “a value-add” in practice sessions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact list of players removed. Some outlets name Imam-ul-Haq, Rizwan, Agha, Usman, Jamal, Zafar and Shahzad; others refer only to “seven players” without naming them. The PCB’s statement provides no detail on the allegations prompting the disciplinary inquiry.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s understanding that the game is bigger than you and your individual achievements,” — Joe Root, England captain
- “I firmly believe you need to grab opportunities and perform in difficult conditions,” — Babar Azam, Pakistan captain
- “Absolutely we have found [Pakistan] a challenge,” — Joe Root, England captain
- “The last couple of days have been challenging for being in a hotel with some players coming, some players going and then the arrival of everyone,” — Mike Hesson, white-ball coach
- “This is the reason they are in the mess they are because they constantly chop and change players, coaches and selectors and there in no stability,” — Mickey Arthur, former Pakistan coach
What’s Next
The third Test at Edgbaston concluded on September 9, with England seeking a series sweep. England’s schedule then turns to a white-ball series against Sri Lanka beginning on September 15. Pakistan must finalize its XI amid ongoing investigations and the integration of several uncapped players.
