Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq Set to Leave Pakistan Squad Ahead of 3rd Test

Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq could be sent home as Pakistan look to make significant changes ahead of the third Test against England. The reported decisions come after Pakistan suffered a heavy 194-run defeat at Lord’s, leaving the team under pressure to respond in the final match of the series.

Pakistan’s batting has been the biggest concern throughout the series. While the bowlers have produced competitive spells, the batting unit has struggled to provide the runs needed to challenge England.

Pakistan Consider Major Changes After Lord’s Defeat

According to reports from Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq are expected to leave the squad before the third Test. The reported move comes after Pakistan’s disappointing performance at Lord’s.

Pakistan were set a daunting target of 389 in the second Test but were eventually bowled out for 194. The defeat gave England a 2-0 lead in the series with one Test still to play.

The result has increased pressure on Pakistan’s batting line-up, particularly after the team failed to cross the 200-run mark in four innings during the series.

Mohammad Rizwan’s Batting Form Under Scrutiny

Mohammad Rizwan has reportedly been included among the players who could be sent home before the final Test. His batting performances have been a concern as Pakistan continue to search for greater consistency in the middle order.

The reported decision reflects the team’s need for a fresh approach after repeated batting collapses. Pakistan’s bowlers have provided opportunities, but the lack of substantial totals has made it difficult for the side to put England under sustained pressure.

Any decision to leave Rizwan out would represent a significant change for Pakistan, given his experience and importance to the team across formats.

Imam-ul-Haq’s Situation Is Different

Imam-ul-Haq’s reported departure is linked to fitness concerns that emerged during the Lord’s Test. The opener suffered an issue on the opening day and was unable to return to the field.

Salman Agha replaced Imam during the match after the Pakistan batter could not continue. His fitness situation has therefore added another complication to Pakistan’s selection plans for the third Test.

Unlike Rizwan, Imam’s situation is not solely connected to batting form, with his physical condition also playing a role in the reported decision.

Young Players Could Get an Opportunity

Pakistan are reportedly preparing to bring several domestic performers into the squad as part of an effort to refresh the team. Young players including Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas are among those reported to have been called up.

The inclusion of younger players could provide Pakistan with an opportunity to test different combinations in the final Test of the series.

For the youngsters, a chance to play against England would also provide valuable experience at international level, particularly during a difficult period for Pakistan Cricket.

Pakistan’s Batting Crisis Has Become the Biggest Concern

The most worrying aspect of Pakistan’s campaign has been the performance of their batting unit. The team has repeatedly struggled to build substantial totals despite having experienced players in the line-up.

Across four innings in the series, Pakistan have failed to score 200. That statistic highlights the scale of the problem facing the team ahead of the third Test.

England’s bowlers have taken advantage of Pakistan’s inability to build long partnerships, while Pakistan’s own bowlers have often been left defending insufficient totals.

Mike Hesson Also Set for an Expanded Role

Pakistan’s changes reportedly extend beyond the playing squad. Mike Hesson is set to become involved with the Test setup following the team’s recent struggles.

His expanded role could eventually develop into a broader coaching responsibility across formats, although the immediate focus is on helping Pakistan address their problems in Test cricket.

The reported move comes at a crucial point in Pakistan’s World Test Championship campaign, with the team needing greater consistency in both selection and performance.

Third Test Could Bring a New-Look Pakistan Team

With England already holding an unassailable 2-0 series lead, Pakistan’s focus will now be on avoiding a clean sweep and finding solutions for the problems exposed during the opening two Tests.

The potential departures of Rizwan and Imam, combined with the arrival of younger domestic performers, could result in a significantly different Pakistan XI for the final Test.

The third Test is scheduled to begin on September 9 in Birmingham. Pakistan will hope that the reported changes can provide the batting line-up with the energy and consistency it has lacked so far in the series.

For Pakistan, the final Test is more than an opportunity to reduce the series deficit. It could also become an important starting point for rebuilding the Test side and addressing the batting problems that have dominated the series.