MOHSIN ALI
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan will face a daunting challenge at Edgbaston when they take on England in the third and final Test today (Tuesday), with the hosts targeting a series clean sweep and the visitors fighting to salvage pride after a troubled campaign that has extended well beyond their disappointing performances on the field. England have already wrapped up the three-match series with commanding victories in the opening two Tests, leaving Pakistan desperate for a response in Birmingham. For the visitors, the final Test offers an opportunity not only to avoid a 3-0 whitewash but also to begin rebuilding confidence after a turbulent period marked by poor performances, disciplinary concerns and sweeping changes to the squad.
Newly appointed red-ball coach Mike Hesson has been handed the difficult task of reviving Pakistan’s fortunes at short notice. Several players were sent home following an internal disciplinary review, forcing Pakistan to make major changes to their combination ahead of the decisive encounter. Captain Babar Azam will be under particular pressure to lead from the front. His return strengthens Pakistan’s batting, but the former world No. 1 batter will need substantial support from the rest of the top order if Pakistan are to challenge England’s formidable attack. Pakistan’s batting has been their biggest weakness in the series. They have failed to reach 200 in any of their four innings, while England’s pace attack has consistently exposed their technical shortcomings.
Saud Shakeel has shown resistance, but Pakistan need significantly greater contributions from their senior batters. Mohammad Abbas remains another major hope for Pakistan.
His experience of English conditions and county cricket could prove valuable on an Edgbaston surface expected to offer assistance to seam bowlers, particularly if the weather remains cool and showers interrupt play. Wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori is also set to make his Test debut as Pakistan continue to reshape their side. The 23-year-old will face an immediate examination against an England attack that has been relentless throughout the series. For England, the challenge is to maintain intensity despite having already secured the series. Ollie Robinson has taken 16 wickets and needs only one more to reach 100 Test wickets, while Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue have formed an increasingly threatening pace unit. Edgbaston has historically been an unforgiving venue for Pakistan. They have played eight Tests at the Birmingham ground without winning, losing five and drawing three. Pakistan therefore enter the final Test as clear underdogs. Yet, with a new-look side, a new red-ball coach and Babar Azam back in charge, they have one final opportunity to turn a troubled tour into a display of resilience and restore some pride before returning home.
