Saim Ayub leaves Pakistan's tri-series squad to fix his batting; Sahibzada Farhan replaces him

Saim Ayub has been released from Pakistan's squad for the rest of the ODI tri-series against England and Sri Lanka, the Pakistan Cricket Board said on Monday. The opener asked head coach Mike Hesson to let him return to domestic cricket to work on his batting and regain confidence, and the team management and selectors agreed. Opener Sahibzada Farhan replaces him.

The PCB said it respected "Saim's decision" and appreciated "his honest assessment of his current form", Dawn reported. It gave no timeline for his return.

Why Saim stepped aside

Saim made 6 in Sunday's one-wicket win over England at the Gaddafi Stadium, part of a top-order collapse that left Pakistan needing Shadab Khan's 113 not out and a record last-wicket stand to get home. Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi had already spoken before that match about the inconsistent returns from the openers.

The other changes

• Sahibzada Farhan comes in. He was left out of the original tri-series squad but recently led Pakistan at the Asian Games and was named T20I captain for the Sri Lanka series.
• Sufiyan Moqim, the left-arm wrist spinner, has also been released to domestic cricket; the PCB cited the nature of the Lahore pitches.
• Maaz Sadaqat, the 21-year-old left-handed batter and part-time left-arm spinner, was added on Sunday as cover for players with minor niggles and stays with the squad.

What is next for Pakistan

Pakistan are already through to the final after three straight wins.

The series is part of Pakistan's build-up to next year's ODI World Cup. More from the cricket desk: latest cricket news.

Related

• Saim Ayub: profile, career stats and latest scores