Imam-ul-haq, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha (Agency Image)
He managed just 61 runs across the four innings he played and came under further criticism for his shot selection during the Lord’s Test.
However, the decisions involving Rizwan and Imam were not linked exclusively to their performances, according to news agency PTI. Rizwan ’s performances were one of the concerns surrounding the wicketkeeper-batter. His reading of the game also attracted scrutiny. Agha’s situation was different. He captained Pakistan in the first Test in Babar’s absence but was dropped for the second match before being sent home ahead of the Edgbaston Test. Behavioural issues in the dressing room were also reportedly taken into consideration.
“The rest of the players sent back were done so on the recommendation of interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson, who wanted to try out some players he had worked with in the white-ball camp,” a source said. “A new selection committee could be announced after the England tour,” the source said. Pakistan suffered defeats in the opening two matches of the series, prompting the PCB to make a sweeping change ahead of the third and final Test in Edgbaston. Test coach Sarfaraz has already been replaced by Mike Hesson, while the white-ball coach will oversee the team for the final Test. The other players sent back from England were reportedly removed from the squad following Hesson’s recommendation. Misbah’s resignation followed the PCB issuing a show-cause notice to the selection committee. The board sought an explanation over the inclusion of Imam and Rizwan in the Test squad for the West Indies and England tours.
The interim red-ball head coach wanted to assess several white-ball specialists with whom he had previously worked.