Pakistan release head coach and drop seven players ahead of Edgbaston Test

Pakistan dropped seven players and released head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed after their series defeat by England, ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham which begins on 9 September. The touring side overhauled both playing personnel and backroom staff following two heavy defeats in the opening matches.

Pakistan have not won a Test series in the UK for 30 years. They lost the first Test at Headingley by an innings and the second at Lord's by 194 runs, and were bowled out for less than 200 in each of their four innings across those games.

Five players who have featured in the series — Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad — have been dropped, while Aamir Jamal and Muhammad Awais Jafar have been sent home without playing.

A total of seven players have been called up to the touring party: Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, both with previous Test experience, plus uncapped players Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, wicketkeeper Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.

Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul have been released and will be replaced by Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australia seamer Ashley Noffke.

Salman Ali Agha captained the first Test in the absence of the injured Babar Azam and was then left out for the second match. Imam-ul-Haq was criticised at Lord's for not attempting to bat in either innings after suffering a calf injury while fielding on the opening day. During the second Test the Pakistan Cricket Board threatened at lunch on the first day to cancel the remainder of the match and the tour because Sky broadcast an interview with the sons of Imran Khan; Imran has been in prison for three years on charges of corruption, which he denies. Pakistan ultimately completed the Test, with both captain Babar and head coach Sarfaraz denying any knowledge of a planned boycott.

The third Test in Birmingham begins on 9 September, and the tourists are also due to have an audience with King Charles at Clarence House this week.