Aaqib Javed Defends Pakistan’s Mid-Series Changes After England Test Defeats
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Pakistan selector Aaqib Javed has defended the Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to make major changes to the team during the ongoing England Test series, saying the side’s poor performances forced the selectors to reconsider the team combination and approach.
Pakistan lost the first two Tests of the series and now trail 2-0, with the third and final match scheduled to begin in Birmingham on September 9.
The PCB has made several significant changes ahead of the final Test. Red-ball head coach Sarfraz Ahmed was removed and replaced by white-ball coach Mike Hesson, while bowling coach Umar Gul was replaced by Australian coach Ashley Noffke.
The board also released seven players from the tour and brought five uncapped players into the squad. Selection committee member Misbah-ul-Haq subsequently resigned after reportedly not being consulted about the changes.
Aaqib Says Team Combination Needed Changes
Aaqib said the selectors were prepared to accept responsibility for the squad originally selected for the tour. However, he argued that team management also had a responsibility to make appropriate decisions during individual matches.
He pointed to several options that were available within the touring squad but were not used in the first two Tests.
According to Aaqib, Pakistan could have strengthened its bowling attack by including fast bowler Ubaid Shah. He also suggested that an all-rounder could have provided additional bowling support because the top seven batters offered limited options with the ball.
Aaqib said the inclusion of another fast bowler could have provided greater balance and allowed the team to manage the bowling workload more effectively.
Pakistan Struggles Against England
Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the opening two Tests. They lost the first match at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s.
The results have intensified scrutiny of the team’s selection, preparation and management.
Aaqib acknowledged that the selectors could not avoid responsibility entirely but argued that the poor performances meant changes were necessary before the final Test.
He said the team needed to approach the remaining match with a different mindset and demonstrate that Pakistan still had enough talent to compete at the highest level.
Changes to Leadership and Coaching
Aaqib also defended the decision to appoint Babar Azam as captain, saying Pakistan had limited options for experienced leadership.
He argued that Babar’s seniority and status as one of the team’s leading batters made him a logical choice for the leadership role.
The selector also explained the decision to bring Mike Hesson into the red-ball setup for the final Test. According to Aaqib, Hesson already had familiarity with several players and could help the team respond positively during the final match.
Imam-ul-Haq Injury Inquiry
Aaqib further revealed that the PCB would investigate the circumstances surrounding Imam-ul-Haq’s absence from both innings of the Lord’s Test.
Imam was reportedly dealing with a low-grade calf injury and was among the players released from the England tour.
The other players sent home were Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Mohammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad.
Five uncapped players have subsequently been added to Pakistan’s squad for the Birmingham Test.
Focus Shifts to Final Test
Despite the criticism surrounding the mid-series changes, Aaqib said the ultimate assessment should come from the team’s performance in the final Test.
He stressed that players need to show greater effort and competitiveness, particularly during important overseas tours.
Pakistan will now look to regroup in Birmingham and avoid a clean sweep in the three-match Test series against England.
