The ‘outside noise’ has been ignored but Pakistan can’t escape the scoresheet as they collapse at Edgbaston and Babar falls for 7.

Babar Azam tried to quell the noise surrounding Pakistan ahead of the third Test against England at Edgbaston, but the team ended up creating plenty of their own noise on the field.Pakistan made four changes to their playing XI after a turbulent week following a heavy defeat at Lord’s, with three players handed Test debuts. Babar insisted that the team was only focused on the match and was not bothered by the team chatter. However, the changes did not produce the desired response in the opening session as Pakistan slumped to seven wickets for less than 100 runs, giving social media a lot to talk about.

Babar says Pakistan ignores ‘outside noise’

During the toss, Babar was asked about the chaotic week Pakistan had and whether it was difficult to deal with him as captain.“It’s not difficult. Yes, we had a few changes after that, but I think it’s a good opportunity for the new guys, and yes, we’re trying to do our best in this match,” said Babar.He then insisted that the team concentrate on matters within its control.“Look, outside noise is not under (our) control. We just try to prepare for this match and just think and take care of ourselves as a group, we don’t think about outside noises. We try to do our best in this match,” he said.

Four changes, three debuts… and seven goals down

Pakistan arrived at Edgbaston with a significantly reshuffled squad, with Babar revealing at the draw that they had made four changes, including three Test debuts and the return of Saim Ayub. The bold PCB change was aimed at giving the team a fresh start after defeating Lord.But a fresh-looking Pakistan side quickly found themselves in familiar territory. The situation made Babar’s pre-match claim about ignoring outside noise particularly amusing, Pakistan may have avoided social media, but their scoreboard generated enough discussion on its own.Seven wickets fell for less than 100 runs in the opening session, with Babar contributing just seven runs before returning to the pavilion.Pakistan’s decision to overhaul their XI was expected to provide a reset after Lord’s defeat. Instead, the early collapse suggested that the personnel change did not immediately change the team’s fortunes.