Babar Azam is set for a long interview: Pietersen trolls Pakistan Test

The latest changes to Pakistan’s Test team made it easy for Kevin Pietersen to start cracking jokes at Babar Azam’s expense. The former England batsman had some fun with the number of changes Pakistan made ahead of the third Test against England.

With seven players released from the squad after Lord’s defeat, Pietersen hinted that Babar could face a very long answer whenever he is asked about Pakistan’s next XI. He shared a joke on X while poking fun at the constant changes around the Pakistan captain.

“When the captain is interviewed before every game, the interviewer asks about the changes in their team. It could be a long interview for my friend Babar! Maybe the draw should start the night before?”

Pietersen’s post came after England took a 2-0 lead in the three-Test series with a 194-run win at Lord’s, prompting Pakistan to make several changes ahead of the final match in Birmingham.

PCB SHAKES TEST SETUP

Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad were all dismissed after Pakistan’s difficult stay at Lord’s.

Pakistan were dismissed for 110 in the first innings and managed only 194 while chasing 389. The PCB brought in seven replacements, five of whom have yet to run in their Test. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal return with Test experience while Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah join the squad.

The changes also affect the coaching staff, with Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul relieved of their duties. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will take charge at Birmingham, with Hesson already serving as Pakistan’s head white-ball coach.

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja questioned the scope and timing of the overhaullikening it to a football manager being removed mid-season, he said he was surprised by the decision and accused the PCB of hitting the “panic button” after the first two Tests.

Pakistan now head to Birmingham for the third Test starting on September 9. England had already wrapped up the series, leaving Babar and the new team with one last chance to avoid a 3-0 result.

PAKISTAN UPDATED TEST KIT

Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (goalkeeper), Razaullah, Saad, Baig, Khimdkeel, goalkeeper Saudjidhan Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.

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Issued by:

Debodinna Chakraborty

Published on:

01 Sep 2026 15:17 IST