Pakistan cricket has witnessed a major shake-up following the team’s heavy defeat against England at Lord’s. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released seven players from the Test squad and made changes to the coaching staff ahead of the third Test in Birmingham.

Pakistan trail the three-match series 0-2 after suffering defeats in Leeds and Lord’s. The latest loss, by 194 runs, intensified pressure on the team and prompted the PCB to make immediate changes.

Former white-ball captain Salman Ali Agha, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq are among the players released. Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have also been left out.

The PCB has named seven replacements. Test-experienced batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have been included, while all-rounder Arafat Minhas has also joined the squad. Four uncapped players—fast bowler Mohammad Imran Jnr, wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, pace-bowling all-rounders Mohammad Imran (Imran Randhawa) and Razaullah—have received call-ups.

The coaching setup has also been reshaped. Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been released from their roles. White-ball head coach Mike Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke will handle the coaching responsibilities for the remainder of the England tour.

Pakistan will now look to avoid a series whitewash when they face England in the third Test at Edgbaston from September 9. The revamped squad will have a difficult task against an England side that has dominated the series so far.