Pakistan field three debutants as England win toss and bowl first in Edgbaston Test

Pakistan will make a desperate bid to salvage dignity from their troubled English tour by fielding three debutants in the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday. England opted to bowl first, prompting Pakistan to make four substitutions to the side that suffered a 194-run loss at Lord’s and now trail the series 2-0. Domestic cricketer Imran Randhawa, rookie fast bowler Razaullah and wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori earned their Test debuts, while opener Saim Ayub returned to the Test lineup for the first time since 2025.

These changes followed the PCB's decision to recall seven players and send another seven home after the Lord’s defeat. Five replacements were uncapped at Test, while Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were replaced by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke. Pakistan's captain Babar Azam remained composed amidst the turmoil, stating it was not difficult for the players to move past the events of the past week. Pakistan aims to avoid a series whitewash and end their disappointing tour on a high note.