Babar set for a v v v long interview: Pietersen trolls Pakistan's Test overhaul

ENG vs PAK: Kevin Pietersen mocked Pakistan's sweeping Test changes with a joke about Babar Azam's team announcement. The post came after a 2-0 deficit triggered a wider squad and coaching overhaul before Birmingham.Pakistan released seven players following their 194-run defeat at Lord's. (Photo: Reuters)Pakistan's latest Test squad changes have given Kevin Pietersen an easy opening for a joke at Babar Azam's expense. The former England batter had some fun with the number of changes Pakistan have made ahead of the third Test against England.With seven players released from the squad after the Lord's defeat, Pietersen suggested Babar could be facing a very long answer whenever he is asked about Pakistan's next XI. He shared the joke on X while poking fun at the constant changes around the Pakistan captain."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??"Pietersen's post came after England took a 2-0 lead in the three-Test series with a 194-run win at Lord's, prompting Pakistan to make several changes before the final match in Birmingham. PCB SHAKES UP THE TEST SETUPMohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have all been released after Pakistan's difficult outing at Lord's.Pakistan were dismissed for 110 in the first innings and managed only 194 while chasing 389. The PCB has brought in seven replacements, with five yet to make their Test debuts. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal return with Test experience, while Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah join the squad. The changes also extend to the coaching staff, with Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul relieved of their duties. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will take charge in Birmingham, with Hesson already working as Pakistan's white-ball head coach.Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja questioned the scale and timing of the overhaul, comparing it to a football manager being removed midway through a season and said he was surprised by the decision and accused the PCB of pressing the "panic button" after the first two Tests.Pakistan now head to Birmingham for the third Test, which begins on September 9. England have already wrapped up the series, leaving Babar and the new-look squad with one final chance to avoid a 3-0 result.PAKISTAN UPDATED TEST SQUADBabar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Azan Awais, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Imran, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (wicket-keeper), Razaullah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 1, 2026 15:17 IST