The Final Boss of team selections: Pakistan predicted XI for third England Test

Pakistan's Selection Puzzle: Who Survives the Whitewash Chase at Edgbaston? 🏏

Folks, Pakistan are staring down the barrel of an embarrassing series whitewash after two thumping defeats, and the selection table's been flipped upside down. After that 194-run drubbing at Lord's, the likes of ImamulHaq, Rizwan, Salman A Agha, Ali Usman, Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were shown the door. Seven replacements came in — but who'll actually make the cut at Edgbaston tmr?

Upfront Under Pressure 📉

Here's the grim reality: Pakistan haven't crossed 200 in any of their four English innings (171, 135, 110, 194). The top six looks pretty locked in though — Azan Awais, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel all have recent big scores on them, plus captain Babar Azam. But with ImamulHaq sent home, Saim Ayub could grab the opening slot. He's no star in Tests yet (364 runs at 26, top score 77), but he's been hot recently with a CPT hundred for Jamaica Kingsmen before that SOS call-up.

The Keeper's Spot 🧤

Mohammad Rizwan's place looks destined for Ghazi Ghori (Muhammad Ghazi Ghori wk). Sure, 19yo Saad Baig is there as back-up (1000 runs at 55.55 for Karachi Region Blues), but Ghazi's got the international experience — 4 ODIs this year and a solid FC average of 41.26 across 46 innings.

The Pace Party ⚡

This is where it gets juicy. Pakistan's medium-pace bowling got roasted, so expect an all-pace attack. Ubaid Shah (20) is basically guaranteed — he can bang in 140 kph and made his Test debut on the WI tour. He'd slot in alongside retained Mohammad Abbas (10 wkts at 20.80, Pakistan's pick of the bunch) and Mohammad Ali (6 wkts). And Mohammad Imran Randhawa should sneak in for his all-rounder credentials — 2255 FC runs and 110 wickets, handy lower-order bat. He's tipped to edge out Razaullah.

My Predicted XI:

Azan Awais, Saim Ayub, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Shakeel, Ghazi Ghori (wk), M Imran Randhawa, M Ali, M Abbas, Ubaid Shah.

Can they stop the whitewash? The squad's got the talent — now they need to back it up. What's your call for the XI? 👇

Source: Wisden

Source: Wisden