Pakistan Set for Major Test Team Shake-Up Ahead of Sri Lanka Series

After the side's disappointing performances in 2026, pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has decided to introduce major changes to the Test team, including a new opening combination and pace-friendly home pitches.

Key points

• Mohammad Abbas and Razaullah are projected to join the national squad after the three-day match against Sri Lanka.
• Pakistan is additionally anticipated to introduce a new opening combination, with Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal emerging as the leading contenders.
• With the team looking to recover from its poor performances, the PCB's think tank has already began implementing measures for the next World Test Championship cycle.
• The upcoming Sri Lanka series will be Pakistan's next assignment after its triumph in the tri-nation ODI series.
• The series will mark Pakistan's first home Test assignment of the year, despite the team having already played seven matches throughout three overseas series.

Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series, with the first match scheduled to commence in Rawalpindi on November 9 and the second in Lahore on November 17.

For context, the series will mark Pakistan's first home Test assignment of the year, despite the team having already played seven matches throughout three overseas series. Pakistani Star Players' Participation in Abu Dhabi T10 League in Doubt.

Pakistan has struggled in Test cricket this year, losing six of its seven matches. While its series against the West Indies concluded in a 1-1 draw, the team suffered a 2-0 whitewash against Bangladesh and a 3-0 defeat against England. Its only victory came against the West Indies.

After these disappointing results, the team management has decided to change its approach to home Test cricket.

As reports indicate, Hesson has instructed ground staff to prepare pace-friendly surfaces for both matches against Sri Lanka. The move is aimed at helping Pakistan improve its performances on lively pitches, particularly during overseas tours.

Ground staff are now working to prepare surfaces that offer greater assistance to fast bowlers.

Meanwhile, the team management is additionally planning significant changes to the playing XI. Five players who featured in the final Test against England, including Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Mohammad Imran and Mohammad Ali, are no longer part of the team's intends.

Masood scored 95 runs in the first innings of the Birmingham Test, but Hesson reportedly believes it is time to offer a younger player an opportunity in place of the 37-year-old batter.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Abbas and Razaullah are projected to join the national squad after the three-day match against Sri Lanka. Both fast bowlers are at present part of the PCB Patron's XI and are considered robust candidates for selection.

In another development, Hesson has advised Babar Azam to participate in domestic four-day cricket to regain his batting form. The former Pakistan captain is at present playing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy after the coach's advice. Australia's Star All-Rounder Retires From International Cricket.

For context, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has additionally produced participation in domestic competitions compulsory, requiring leading players to represent their respective departments and regions despite documented reluctance from some players.

Pakistan at present occupies ninth place among ten teams in the ICC Test rankings, with only Zimbabwe below it. It additionally sits at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.

Authorities are hopeful that introducing younger players and adopting a more aggressive approach to Test cricket will assist Pakistan improve its results.

Notably, the upcoming Sri Lanka series will be Pakistan's next assignment after its triumph in the tri-nation ODI series. Stay Connected with ProPakistani.

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In short, pakistan Set for Major Test Team Shake is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.