Pakistan swing the axe after brutal England Test series defeat, reportedly send Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan home

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Pakistan swing the axe after brutal England Test series defeat, reportedly send Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan home originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • PCB reportedly to send Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq back to Pakistan, with Imam's calf injury set to be investigated.
  • Stuart Broad questioned Imam's injury, calling his public practice an "all for show" display.
  • Mike Hesson will reportedly replace Sarfaraz Ahmed, with Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas called up for the third Test.
  • England have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

PCB set for major changes after Lord's defeat

A major reshuffle is said to be on the cards for Pakistan following their humiliating loss in a Test series against England, with the Pakistan Cricket Board making a decision to send home Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq before the third Test.

As per reports from Geo News journalist Syed Yahya Hosseini, the PCB made the decision following their loss by 194 runs at Lord's and allowing England to get an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the series of three Tests.

An emergency meeting of Pakistan's team management has been held in London following the loss, with changes expected to come into effect before the last Test in Birmingham.

Both Rizwan and Imam are said to be sent back to Pakistan urgently, while Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas are set to be included in the squad for the third Test.

MORE:Fans react as Babar Azam fails embarrassingly in Pakistan’s massive chase in Lord’s Test

Imam-ul-Haq injury under investigation

The injury of the opener in the match played at Lord's has turned out to be one of the most important impacts of Pakistan's loss.

Imam suffered a minor left calf strain on the first day of fielding but was unable to bat in both innings, leaving Pakistan without a batter as the team was bowled out for 110 and 194 in pursuit of 389. England won the game by 194 runs.

Now, the Imam's injury has been questioned. According to Geo News, PCB is considering investigating the injury of the opener.

Some people accused Imam of faking his injury to avoid facing England's fast bowling, especially Jofra Archer, though there is no proof yet.

Some people believe that the injury was fabricated or exaggerated by Imam to avoid facing England's pace-bowling attack, led by Jofra Archer. However, these allegations lack concrete evidence.

MORE:Broad adds to Imam scrutiny, calls out PAK opener's 'all for show' act

Rizwan also set to return home after Lord's failure

The return of Mohammad Rizwan will be on the horizon as well since apparently, it has been his form and stroke choice which has led the PCB to make the call.

Rizwan managed to score only one run during Pakistan's second innings at Lords when the visitors were making an effort to recover from yet another bad start.

It has been especially galling for Rizwan that despite all that, he was dismissed under such circumstances. While chasing a total of 389, Pakistan needed to score 14/3 when Rizwan had to try and help Saud Shakeel consolidate.

It has become increasingly evident that the Pakistan fans are becoming increasingly critical of Rizwan's penchant to slog sweep in pressure situations.

MORE:Cricketers speak out in support of Imran amid deteriorating health in jail

Saim Ayub, Arafat Minhas among call-ups

Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas have been reportedly summoned for the third Test at Birmingham as Pakistan look at making drastic changes in their team.

In the second Test at Lords, Saud Shakeel was Pakistan’s shining light with a gritty score of 97. Shakeel helped Pakistan in recovering to 14-3 along with Shan Masood.

However, this fightback did not last long as Ollie Robinson went on to break the partnership. He went on to finish with match figures of 8-35 as England won the match comfortably once again.

Ayub and Minhas may prove beneficial for Pakistan in rejuvenating their batting line-up.

MORE:Ollie Robinson claims best Test bowling average since WWI

Mike Hesson set to replace Sarfaraz Ahmed for third Test

It seems that the overhaul goes beyond the playing eleven as white-ball coach Mike Hesson will reportedly take over from Sarfaraz Ahmed for the third Test match.

Hesson becomes yet another crucial factor for the team as it tries to start fresh before the last Test match, while Sarfaraz remains part of the overall team setup.

The move regarding Hesson, Rizwan, Imam, Ayub and Minhas shows the seriousness of the Pakistan management in response to the team's performance in England.

MORE:Hesson set to take charge of Pakistan for 3rd ENG Test as Sarfaraz faces likely sacking

Pakistan need more than a reset after 2-0 England series defeat

This series has revealed some issues that Pakistan will have to address soon after being swept by England 2-0.

The decisions to recall Rizwan and Imam from the tour, to promote Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas, and to hire Mike Hesson are all indicators of how much action the Pakistan team may take. Rizwan's shot selection needs to be looked into, and Imam's injury needs to be addressed by the PCB.

However, what Pakistan really needs now is not only new faces but also the ability to handle the England fast bowlers and to make decisions under pressure.

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