‘Maybe the toss should start the night before?’ – Kevin Pietersen mocks Pakistan’s constant changes

Pakistan’s decision to make seven changes to their Test squad ahead of the third and final match against England drew widespread attention on September 1, 2026. The scale of the reshuffle prompted sharp reactions, with former England batter Kevin Pietersen among the most prominent voices to weigh in on the situation.

The remark was directed at Pakistan captain Babar Azam and the number of changes he would need to account for before the Birmingham Test.

“When a captain is interviewed before every game, the interviewer asks about changes in their team. Could be a v v v v long interview for my buddy, Babar! Maybe the toss should start the night before?? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣,” wrote Pietersen on X.

Pakistan’s seven-player overhaul after Lord’s defeat

England hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series, and Pakistan now face the prospect of a 3-0 whitewash when the two sides meet at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from September 9, 2026. The third Test is part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship and concludes a tour that runs from August 19 to September 13, 2026.

Pakistan’s troubles deepened during the second Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground, which they lost by 194 runs. Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq also sustained injuries during that match, adding to the selection headache for the management.

Following the Lord’s defeat, the Pakistan Cricket Board released seven players from the squad, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad. Two members of the backroom staff were also let go, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul both departing. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke stepped in to take over key coaching duties ahead of the Edgbaston Test.

Seven replacements were named in response. Five of them are yet to make their Test debuts, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, both of whom carry limited Test experience, also returned to the squad.

Pakistan’s squad for the third Test vs England:

Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wk), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wk), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Ubaid Shah