England won the toss and elected to field first against Pakistan in the third and final Test at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on Wednesday.
The hosts retained an unchanged playing XI for the series finale, while Pakistan made several changes to their lineup after losing the opening two Tests.
Pakistan have handed Test debut caps to Ghazi Ghori, Imran Randhawa and Razaullah, giving the three players an opportunity to make their mark in the longest format.
Saud Shakeel presented Ghori with his Test cap, while Mohammad Abbas handed Razaullah his debut cap. Pakistan captain Babar Azam presented Randhawa with his maiden Test cap.
Saim Ayub Returns to Pakistan Side
Pakistan have also welcomed Saim Ayub back into the Test team.
The opening batter is returning to international Test cricket after last representing Pakistan in the format against South Africa in 2025.
His inclusion provides Pakistan with another option at the top of the order as the visitors attempt to avoid a series whitewash.
Pakistan have endured a difficult tour so far, losing both of the first two Tests by convincing margins.
England Lead Series 2-0
England enter the final Test with an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
The hosts won the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs. England posted 409 in their first innings before dismissing Pakistan for 171 and 135.
Pakistan suffered another heavy defeat in the second Test at Lord’s, losing by 194 runs.
England scored 290 in their first innings and bowled Pakistan out for 110. The home side then made 208 in their second innings, setting Pakistan a target of 389.
Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 194, giving England a comprehensive victory and a 2-0 series advantage.
Hesson Clarifies No Role in Selecting Pakistan’s Test Squad
Pakistan Face Tough Task at Edgbaston
With the series already decided, Pakistan will be looking to end the tour on a positive note and prevent England from completing a clean sweep.
The inclusion of three debutants represents a significant change for Pakistan, with the newcomers being asked to perform under pressure against an England side that has already demonstrated strong control over the series.
For England, the decision to field first gives their bowlers the opportunity to exploit conditions early and put Pakistan under pressure from the opening session.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will hope their new-look batting and lineup can provide the stability that was missing in the first two Tests.
Playing XIs
England: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
Pakistan: Azan Awais, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (c), Ghazi Ghori (wk), Imran Randhawa, Razaullah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Abbas.
Ghazi Ghori, Imran Randhawa and Razaullah are making their Test debut 🇵🇰🏏#ENGvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/pa4OHLiXDW
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 9, 2026
