New Delhi, Sept. 1 -- The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a hard line after two heavy losses in England. Seven players have been released from the touring party, Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been stood down, and white-ball coach Mike Hesson will take charge for the third Test at Edgbaston from September 9.

England already lead the three-match series 2-0. Pakistan lost the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs, then went down by 194 runs at Lord's. In four completed innings, they never reached 200. The series is gone. The last Test is now a chance to stop a whitewash.

"The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced that seven players have been released from the Test squad following complet...