LAHORE: Pakistan could hand Test debuts to three players in the Birmingham Test against England as they prepare for the Pakistan vs England 3rd Test with the series already slipping away.
Pakistan have shortlisted a 12-man group for the Birmingham Test, with wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori, all-rounder Muhammad Imran Randhawa and fast bowler Razaullah among the players in contention for their Test debuts.
The Pakistan vs England 3rd Test will take place in Birmingham, where Pakistan will look to avoid a clean sweep after England secured a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Ghazi Ghori in line for Birmingham Test debut
Twenty-three-year-old Karachi-born wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori appears the strongest candidate to feature in the Birmingham Test playing XI.
Pakistan previously included Ghori in their Test squads for the West Indies and England series. However, he has yet to make his Test debut.
His potential inclusion would mark one of the key changes in Pakistan’s lineup for the Pakistan vs England 3rd Test.
Randhawa among strong contenders
All-rounder Muhammad Imran Randhawa, 29, is also in contention for a place in the Birmingham Test XI.
Randhawa has scored 2,255 runs in 58 first-class matches, including two centuries. He has also taken 110 wickets with his medium-pace bowling.
His all-round ability could give Pakistan another option as the team considers changes for the final Test.
Razaullah could get his Test cap
Pakistan could also hand a Test debut to 21-year-old fast bowler Razaullah if the team decides to field four fast bowlers in the Birmingham Test.
The Mardan-born right-arm pacer made his first-class debut for Peshawar in 2025. He has since taken 30 wickets in eight first-class matches, strengthening his case for selection in the Pakistan vs England 3rd Test.
Arafat Minhas also in contention
If Pakistan select only one specialist spinner, Arafat Minhas could instead make his Test debut.
The 21-year-old left-arm spinner from Multan has already represented Pakistan in three ODIs and four T20Is. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball could also influence Pakistan’s combination for the Birmingham Test.
Pakistan face uphill task in third Test
Pakistan enter the Pakistan vs England 3rd Test with England holding an unassailable 2-0 lead.
England won the first Test by an innings and 103 runs before completing a 194-run victory in the second Test.
Pakistan will therefore aim to avoid a series whitewash in the Birmingham Test while also assessing players who could become part of the team’s future Test plans.
Pakistan’s 12-man group for the Birmingham Test includes Saim Ayub, Ihsan Owais, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (captain), Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran Randhawa, Arafat Minhas and Razaullah.
The selection of three potential debutants would represent a significant shake-up for Pakistan as they seek to finish the Pakistan vs England 3rd Test on a positive note.
