Pakistan's wholesale changes for final England Test called 'most shocking selection decision ever' by Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has called the selectors' decision to make sweeping changes to the squad and remove head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed ahead of the third and final Test against England as the "most shocking ever".

Of the seven players to have been drafted in, five are uncapped at Test level, in Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr, Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.

White-ball coach Mike Hesson will take charge following Sarfaraz's axing, while Ashley Noffke is now assistant coach after Umar Gul was also relieved of his duties.

Writing on social media platform X, Afridi said: "Not sure what is the logic or reasoning behind this decision!"

"Even the replacements make no sense - T20 players have been included for a Test match in England?

"What is this thinking and approach? Why has the coach been axed after five Test matches?

"This is the most shocking decision ever by a selection committee which includes so many experienced selectors."

Pakistan, who have now lost 15 of their last 20 Test matches, have been bowled out for less than 200 in all four of their innings in the series so far, skittled for 171 and 135 in Leeds and then for 110 and 194 at Lord's.