{
  "id": 18129210,
  "title": "Pakistan Set for Major Test Team Shake-Up Ahead of Sri Lanka Series",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/04/pakistan-set-for-major-test-team-shake-up-ahead-of-sri-lanka-series",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-11-04T13:41:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ProPakistani",
    "slug": "propakistani",
    "url": "https://propakistani.pk/2026/11/04/pakistan-set-for-major-test-team-shake-up-ahead-of-sri-lanka-series/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pakistan is set for a significant change in its Test team ahead of the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka. Head coach Mike Hesson has announced major alterations, including a new opening combination and pitches designed to favor pace bowlers. The first Test is scheduled to begin in Rawalpindi on November 9, followed by the second in Lahore on November 17. This is Pakistan's first home Test series this year, despite having already played seven matches in three overseas tours.\n\nThe team's performance has been disappointing this year, with Pakistan losing six of its seven Test matches. Following a series loss to the West Indies, Pakistan's only victory was against the West Indies. In response, Hesson has instructed ground staff to prepare pace-friendly surfaces to aid fast bowlers. Five players who played in the final Test against England have been dropped, with 37-year-old batsman Shan Masood potentially replaced by younger players Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal, both emerging as the leading contenders for the opening slot. Mohammad Abbas and Razaullah are also expected to join the national squad for the series. Additionally, Hesson has advised batting star Babar Azam to participate in domestic four-day cricket to regain his form. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made participation in domestic competitions mandatory for top players. Currently, Pakistan holds ninth place in the ICC Test rankings, with only Zimbabwe below it. The team aims to bounce back from its poor performances, with the PCB's strategists preparing for the upcoming World Test Championship cycle.",
  "summary": "Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has decided to introduce major changes to the Test team, including a new opening combination … Read More The post Pakistan Set for Major Test Team Shake-Up Ahead of Sri Lanka Series appeared first on ProPakistani .",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}