Pakistan Test squad went through major changes after the Lord's defeat. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, bowling Umar Gul were sacked whereas seven players were released from the squad. For the Birmingham Test, white-ball head coach Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke were called overnight. On the eve of the third and final Test of the series against England, captain Babar Azam was asked whether he was privy to the changes made in the squad. Babar said that he learnt about it like anyone else. He was asked about the squad changes but Babar directed them towards Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) who chopped and changed.
"It was news to me," Babar said. "I found out after. The PCB decided it, so they'll be able to explain better.
"The PCB's decision must have been taken after some thought process," he added. "It's better if you ask them why."
‘Nothing to lose’ – Babar
Babar admitted he was "surprised" to learn about the changes. But, he has put those issues aside and intends to focus on the task at hand, the third Test of the series where plenty of debutants are expected to take the field.
"The series is lost but we have nothing to lose," Babar said. "We should play freely and believe in ourselves as a team. We've practiced a couple of days and explained things to the new boys. Any young player who comes in is excited, and that excitement is visible. I believe that will be visible in the match, too."
While the Pakistan team is subjected to widespread criticism after two comprehensive losses, Babar defended his team while admitting that the team didn't play good cricket.
Babar was also asked about his performances. He clapped back by saying that he was named ‘Player of the series’ on the Caribbean tour.
Notably, Pakistan have never won a Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Pakistan’s updated Test squad vs England
Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk) Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.