ISLAMABAD: With England already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead, Pakistan will enter the third and final Test at Edgbaston tomorrow with just one objective: avoid a series clean sweep.
But can a revamped Pakistan side, featuring several changes after the two defeats, finally turn the tide and save the visitors from another embarrassing setback? The big question now is whether the new-look XI has enough firepower to challenge England and end the series on a winning note.
🚨 NEW OPENING PAIR FOR PAKISTAN 🚨
– Azan Awais is set to open with Saim Ayub against England in the third Test at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.
– Saim Ayub will be Azan’s third opening partner of the series. pic.twitter.com/SgDbZbPGjt
— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) September 8, 2026
Pakistan will enter the third and final Test against England on Wednesday at Edgbaston under pressure to prevent a clean sweep after a disappointing start to their three-match series.
The visitors have suffered two convincing defeats and responded to the latest loss by making major changes to their Test squad. Seven players, including Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad, have been released, while seven replacements have joined the squad.
The sweeping changes have opened the door for several newcomers, leaving Pakistan’s team management with important decisions to make before the final Test.
Pakistan’s batting has been a major concern during the tour. The team has failed to reach 200 in any of its four innings, recording totals of 171, 135, 110 and 194.
🚨 THIS IS UNFAIR ! 😐
– Sky Sports has now started a poll asking fans who should be in Pakistan’s Playing XI for the Edgbaston Test. 👀
– They didn’t ask about Pakistan’s Playing XI before the first two Tests, so why suddenly now?
– Why is Pakistan’s team being singled out?… pic.twitter.com/PWEusjY2eq
— Talha Nawaz (@TalhaDigital007) September 7, 2026
Pakistan likely to reshuffle opening combination
Azan Awais, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel are expected to retain their positions after producing useful contributions in recent matches.
Babar Azam is also likely to continue as captain, while Saim Ayub could return to Test cricket to fill the vacancy created by Imam-ul-Haq’s departure.
Ayub last appeared in a Test for Pakistan in January 2025. He has so far scored 364 runs from 14 Test innings, including a highest score of 77.
Despite his modest Test record, Ayub heads into the match with confidence after registering a T20 century for Jamaica Kingsmen in the Caribbean Premier League.
His inclusion could also provide Pakistan with a part-time spin option, particularly as the visitors are expected to rely heavily on pace in the bowling department.
🚨😱 PAKISTAN’S 3RD TEST XI: SHOCKS INCOMING! 🇵🇰🔥
Pakistan could unleash a completely unexpected XI! 👀
Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Abbas, Azan Awais & Saim Ayub are remain same in the playing XI for the 3rd Test against England. ✅
🔥 4 HUGE SELECTION BATTLES:… pic.twitter.com/T0zY975i6y
— Mujtaba Hussain Farooqui (@iMujtaba786) September 8, 2026
Read Also: Pakistan Overhauls Test Squad in Shake-Up Ahead of Edgbaston Clash on September 9
Ghazi Ghori favourite to take Rizwan’s wicketkeeping role
With Mohammad Rizwan no longer part of the squad, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori is expected to take over wicketkeeping duties.
The 19-year-old Saad Baig is also available for selection, but Ghori appears to have the advantage because of his recent international experience. He has already played four ODIs for Pakistan this year.
Ghori has also built an impressive first-class record, scoring 1,692 runs in 46 innings at an average of 41.26. His record includes three centuries and 10 half-centuries.
Saad Baig, meanwhile, scored 1,000 runs at an average of 55.55 for Karachi Region Blues in the latest Quaid-e-Azam Trophy season.
🚨 PAKISTAN PLAYING XI UPDATE 🚨
– Babar, Saud, Abbas, Azan & Saim are CERTAIN for the 3rd Test ✅
But the BIG calls remain 👀
Abdullah Shafique 🆚 Shan Masood
Ubaid Shah 🆚 Razaullah
M Ali 🆚 Imran Jr
Ghazi Ghori 🆚 Saad Baig– Abdullah Fazal is likely to make his comeback.… https://t.co/II98WOgRs2 pic.twitter.com/pIrSWCH4f9
— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) September 8, 2026
Ubaid Shah could add pace to Pakistan attack
Pakistan are expected to strengthen their pace department for the Edgbaston Test.
Ubaid Shah, who made his Test debut during Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies, could return to the playing XI. The 20-year-old quick can generate speeds of around 140kph and would give Pakistan an additional attacking option.
Mohammad Abbas is almost certain to retain his place after emerging as Pakistan’s most effective bowler in the series. He has taken 10 wickets at an average of 20.80.
Mohammad Ali is also expected to feature after claiming six wickets in the series.
Mohammad Imran Randhawa could complete the bowling attack because of his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. The experienced right-arm pacer has 110 first-class wickets to his name, along with 2,255 runs.
He is likely to be preferred over Razaullah, who has only recently begun his first-class career.
Read Also: Pakistan’s Test Losses Surpass Wins for First Time in Nearly Four Decades
Predicted Pakistan XI for third Test
Azan Awais, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Ubaid Shah.
