Pakistan at ‘very start’ of Test rebuilding process, says bowling coach Noffke

Pakistan are at the “very start” of rebuilding their Test side, bowling coach Ashley Noffke said on Monday, as the team attempts to move past a tumultuous week that has seen sweeping changes to the squad and a shake-up of its coaching staff. “Every nation has a life cycle, and there’ll be moments where they play really great cricket for long periods and then older players will move out and younger players will come in. And we’re at the very start of that process,” Noffke told reporters at Edgbaston.

The contrast with England, who are attempting to complete a 3-0 series sweep after emphatic victories at Headingley and Lord’s, could hardly be starker. While Pakistan have brought in a new interim head coach in Mike Hesson, made wholesale changes to their squad and sent Noffke to England at short notice, the hosts have been able to build on a settled pace attack led by Jofra Archer, who says he is finally enjoying a period of stability after years of injury. Pakistan’s changes have opened the door for young fast bowlers Razaullah and Mohammad Imran Jr, with Noffke viewing their presence in England as part of a longer-term plan rather than simply an emergency response to two defeats.…