Pakistan’s disappointing performance on the England tour could lead to major changes in the team management, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul reportedly facing the axe. According to media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering changes to the coaching setup following the team’s poor results on the tour.
The expected shake-up comes after Pakistan struggled to produce consistent performances, with the team management likely to face scrutiny over the disappointing campaign. It learnt that Pakistan Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul are likely to be dismissed.
Mike Hesson, who previously served as head coach of Pakistan’s T20 and ODI teams, is reportedly set to take charge of the Test side in place of Sarfaraz Ahmed. Ashley Noffke is also expected to replace Umar Gul as the new bowling coach of the Pakistan Test team.
Under the coaching of Champions Trophy-winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan played six Test matches, winning only one and losing five, including a series whitewash against Bangladesh in the away series. Pakistan’s performance failed to improve after the innings defeat in Leeds, with the team suffering another heavy defeat by 194 runs in the second Test at Lord’s.
Meanwhile, the PCB has recalled opener Imam-ul-Haq and middle-order wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan on the first available flight following their continued poor performances. Six players are also reportedly being sent to the UK on an emergency basis.
It is worth mentioning here that England defeated Pakistan by 194 runs in the second Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday, securing a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan’s struggling batting lineup has once again failed to cope with England’s bowlers, as they were reduced to 176 for 8 in their second innings. England set Pakistan a target of 389 runs after being dismissed for 208 in 54.2 overs on the fourth day of the second Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday.
The hosts resumed their innings at 177/7 from 46.5 overs but lost their final three wickets for just 31 additional runs. Dan Lawrence was the first to fall, departing for a well-made 54 off 70 balls. His innings included seven boundaries and two sixes. Mohammad Abbas continued to impress with the ball, claiming his fifth wicket of the innings by removing Ollie Robinson, who scored eight runs from 15 deliveries, including one four.
Josh Tongue provided some resistance and kept the scoreboard moving. England eventually crossed the 200-run mark after a misfield from Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan allowed the hosts to pick up an additional boundary.
Read more: England beat Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s, take 2-0 series lead