Babar Azam: PCB’s squad shake-up was ‘news to me’

Pakistan will look to avoid a series whitewash when they face England in the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Thursday. The live action is scheduled to begin at 3pm Pakistan time. Pakistan are expected to make four changes to their playing XI, with Ghazi Ghori, Imran Randhawa and Razaullah among those in line to make their Test debuts. England have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Babar Azam said the changes to the squad came as a surprise to him as well, adding that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was responsible for the decisions. Pakistan made a series of major changes following heavy defeats in the first two Tests at Headingley and Lord’s, with seven players sent home before the end of the tour. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed from their positions, while seven players, including five without Test experience, were brought into the squad. Pakistan’s white-ball coach Mike Hesson and assistant coach Ashley Noffke have also joined the team to oversee preparations for the Edgbaston Test. Speaking to reporters at a press conference in Birmingham, Babar said only the PCB could explain the reasoning behind the changes. “I found out after. The PCB decided it, so they will be able to explain better, ” Babar said at the press conference. He said Pakistan would select their playing XI for the final Test after taking the prevailing conditions into account. He said the board’s decision was likely taken after considering the situation carefully and described the changes as an opportunity for the team. “The series is lost, but we have nothing to lose. We should play freely and believe in ourselves as a team, ” he said. Babar also urged the newly included players to make the most of their opportunity, particularly in challenging conditions. “It’s an opportunity for the new boys and a chance to showcase their talent, ” he said. The Pakistan captain acknowledged that the team needed to move on from its poor performances in the opening two Tests. “We need to forget about past failures and shift focus to the future, ” he said. Babar has not scored a Test century for nearly four years, while Pakistan have failed to reach 200 in any of their four innings in the ongoing series. The 31-year-old said young players joining the squad were excited about their opportunity and backed them to express themselves on the field. Babar also declined to comment on the PCB’s inquiry into the squad’s “discipline and conduct” during the England tour. “No, I don’t know. I have no idea about it, ” he said.

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