09/09/26 05:49:00
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09/09 05:48 CDT England wins toss and opts to bowl against new-look Pakistan in
3rd test
England wins toss and opts to bowl against new-look Pakistan in 3rd test
BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) --- England, which has already sealed victory in the
series, won the toss and elected to bowl first ahead of the third and final
cricket test against a new-look Pakistan team at Edgbaston on Wednesday.
Captain Joe Root, who has been below his best with the bat in the series,
announced an unchanged England team.
Pakistan, which caused a major surprise by sending seven players home after the
second-test defeat at Lord's, plus the head coach and the bowling coach, made
four changes to its side.
Wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori, bowlers Imran Randhawa and Razaullah Khan will be
making their test debuts while opening batter Saim Ayub returns to the team.
Pakistan captain Babar Azam denied it had been a tough period. "It hasn't been
difficult for me." he said. "We've got a few changes but it is a good
opportunity for the new boys.
"The outside noise is not in our control. We are just trying to prepare for
this game and look after ourselves in this group. (New head coach) Mike Hesson
has helped a lot. He is experienced and has a lot of knowledge."
England went 2-0 up in the series after beating Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord's.
Lineups:
England: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (captain), Harry Brook,
Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith, Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh
Tongue.
Pakistan: Azan Awais, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam
(captain), Saud Shakeel, Ghazi Ghori, Imran Randhawa, Razaullah Khan, Mohammad
Ali, Muhammad Abbas.
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