England’s victory on Sunday gave them an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The final Test will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.

An emergency meeting was held at the Pakistan team’s hotel following the defeat, where possible changes for the final Test were discussed.

Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq are likely to return to Pakistan, while Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas are expected to be added to the squad for the Birmingham Test.

PCB may investigate Imam’s injury

The PCB is also considering sending Imam-ul-Haq back to Pakistan and may launch a high-level inquiry into his calf injury.

The 30-year-old batter suffered discomfort on the opening day of the Lord’s Test and did not bat in Pakistan’s second innings. His absence was particularly significant after Pakistan were dismissed for 110 in their first innings.

The injury has attracted speculation, with some former cricketers questioning its severity. The PCB is expected to assess Imam’s medical condition and examine the circumstances surrounding his withdrawal.

Sources said some PCB officials had previously raised concerns about Imam’s injury history. In March 2025, a PCB inquiry committee reportedly found him responsible for misrepresenting an injury during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand.

The committee concluded that there was no medical basis for declaring him unfit after an X-ray showed no fracture or dislocation in his toe. It recommended a ban after finding that he had exaggerated his symptoms and misled medical staff.

Sarfaraz’s future uncertain

Pakistan’s red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed is also facing uncertainty following the team’s disappointing performance in England.

White-ball coach Mike Hesson is expected to become more involved with the Test side and may join the squad in Birmingham. His possible involvement has fuelled speculation that he could eventually take charge of Pakistan’s Test team as well.

The PCB has not officially confirmed any change to the coaching structure, but there is a strong possibility that Sarfaraz could leave his position after the England tour.

Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s also ended their 16-year unbeaten run at the venue and handed England an unassailable series lead.

The loss means Pakistan now have more Test defeats than victories for the first time since 1987, with 154 losses and 153 wins from 473 Tests. The remaining 166 matches have ended in draws.