Pakistan head into the third Test against England amid significant upheaval, making it extremely difficult to predict how the side will respond, both on and off the field. The situation is clearly not ideal preparation for a Test match, particularly given the changes that have taken place within the squad. However, despite all the uncertainty, the quality available to Pakistan means they still have the players capable of making an impact and potentially turning things around over five days of Test cricket.

The batting line-up is expected to retain several experienced and important players. Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel and Azan Awais are among those who could form the core of the batting order, with each expected to make a significant contribution. Pakistan still have enough quality in their batting to put England under pressure if their senior players perform to the level expected of them.

In the bowling department, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali and Ubaid Shah are among the options. Ubaid Shah, in particular, could add some pace and provide greater variety to the attack. His inclusion would give Pakistan a slightly different dimension with the ball and could prove important depending on how the conditions develop during the Test.

There has been considerable focus on the management and structural changes surrounding Pakistan, but the performances of the players themselves also deserve attention. When a series does not go well or a team struggles, the discussion often centres heavily on management and the structure around the side. However, the players’ contributions can sometimes be overlooked. In this case, the decision to send seven players home is an extremely significant one and represents a strong assessment of player performances. While I strongly don’t agree with that decision, the players who remain still have an opportunity to respond on the field.

The senior players in particular have a chance to show determination and a desire to bring about change. With England having dominated the opening two Tests, Pakistan will need those experienced players to take responsibility and make a meaningful impact. The remaining players are still capable of causing problems for England, despite everything that has happened around the squad.

There could also be some new faces in the Pakistan side. Saim Ayub is one player worth watching, and there is a possibility that he could come into the top order. He can also provide an off-spin option. Arafat Minhas is another player who has my attention, as I have seen him playing over the years, particularly in the Pakistan Super League. He offers a left-arm spin option as well as some batting ability. Ghazi Ghori, the wicketkeeper, is another player to watch out for.

Another player to keep an eye on is Abdullah Fazal. He is 23 years old and has experience of Test cricket, although his availability has been affected by back injuries and related problems. That has limited his opportunities, but he remains someone who could potentially make an impact if given the chance. Given the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s team combination, it is difficult to predict exactly how the side will line up.

Ubaid Shah is another player who could be particularly important. There had already been speculation about whether he might feature in the previous Test, and his ability to add pace could provide Pakistan with a point of difference.

The conditions at Edgbaston could also influence the team selections. Edgbaston conditions usually favour batters but can prove tricky when there is cloud cover. However, the surface can become drier as a five-day Test progresses. The forecast also appears to suggest mainly dry conditions, with the possibility of some rain on day one, while the rest of the days are expected to be either sunny or cloudy. That could make the balance of the Pakistan side an important consideration.

England, meanwhile, are unlikely to make significant changes. There does not appear to be a strong reason to alter the bowling combination, and Shoaib Bashir is unlikely to come into the side. Dan Lawrence and Joe Root can provide the spin options if required.

For England, the Test is also an opportunity to maintain the formula that has worked so well in the first two matches. With the series already wrapped up, there could be a temptation to give Sonny Baker an opportunity, but I feel they should stick with the same side and allow the four-man pace attack to perform again. England have important Test matches coming up, making continuity a valuable option.

There will nevertheless be some individual subplots within the England side. Attention will continue to be on Jordan Cox and Dan Lawrence, as it has been throughout the series. With Jacob Bethell expected to return to the side in the winter, opportunities for some players could become limited. Sam Curran is another possibility, potentially offering an all-round option at number six.

That could create something of a shootout for a place in the side between Cox and Lawrence. Cox has been a highly regarded player, and a significant score in this Test could strengthen his position. The preferred option moving forward would be to give Cox the opportunity to establish himself, although there may ultimately be limited opportunities when England select their full-strength side.

England openers Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay will also feel the need to make substantial contributions in this Test. Duckett has been short of runs, while Gay remains somewhat on trial. Though he is considered the best option available at present, a strong performance in this Test would help him consolidate his position in the side.

A big score from Gay could strengthen his position significantly heading into the winter. Conversely, two low scores could potentially open the door for someone else. Despite that, I expect England to continue with Gay in the winter. This Test therefore provides him with an opportunity to establish his individual position within the team. I believe he is the best option available at the moment, and this Test is a chance to really cement his position at the top of the order.

For England as a whole, one of the biggest challenges will be maintaining focus on their own game. With so much upheaval surrounding Pakistan, there is always a possibility that the distractions outside the England dressing room could become a distraction for the team itself. England will need to remain focused on what they are trying to achieve internally.

Joe Root, as captain, is expected to remain focused on the objective, with a clean sweep the obvious target. However, Pakistan’s situation could make the third Test more interesting than the series scoreline suggests.

Pakistan come into the match with relatively little to lose. Given everything that has happened and England’s dominance in the first two Tests, many people will naturally have written Pakistan off. But that situation can also create an opportunity. With expectations low, Pakistan can approach the match without the same pressure and potentially play with greater freedom. That could make them a dangerous opponent for England. England have had things largely their own way in the first two Tests, but Pakistan still have enough experienced and capable players to cause problems if they perform well.

The series may already be decided, but there remains plenty to play for. Pakistan have the opportunity to respond to the upheaval surrounding their squad, while England have the chance to complete the clean sweep and maintain the approach that has served them so well. For a number of players on both sides, particularly those fighting for their positions, the third Test could also have significance beyond the result.