Interim Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson is tasked with guiding a significantly revamped squad through a period of turbulence, aiming for a stronger performance in the third and final Test against England. The match is scheduled to begin on September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Pakistan enters the contest trailing 2-0 in the three-match series. The team suffered a heavy innings and 103-run defeat in the opener at Headingley, followed by a 194-run loss at Lord’s this past Sunday.
In response to these results, the Pakistan Cricket Board implemented a major overhaul. The board dismissed Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, appointing Hesson—already the team’s white-ball coach—to the interim role. Additionally, seven players were sent home, including senior figures Imam-ul Haq and Salman Ali Agha, the latter of whom served as captain at Headingley while Babar Azam was sidelined with an injury. Seamer Khurram Shahzad and left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who notably took five wickets at Headingley, were also among those released.
Seven new players have been called up to fill the vacancies, though only Abdullah Fazal and Saim Ayub possess prior Test experience. Hesson, who was in Japan for Asian Games preparations, saw his travel plans to the UK expedited to attend a royal engagement with King Charles on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters at Edgbaston on Friday, Hesson acknowledged the difficulty of the transition. He noted that while the recent days of personnel changes have been challenging, the players seem more accustomed to such instability than he is. He emphasized that the group has been professional and focused since the changes were finalized.
Hesson expressed his desire to move past the disappointment and focus on the upcoming challenge. He noted that nobody wants such drastic changes in the middle of a series, but the priority now is to assemble a balanced squad that offers tactical variety.
The coach highlighted a need to return to Pakistan’s traditional strengths, noting that the team is historically recognized for its pace, mystery spin, and unusual bowling actions—elements he feels have been missing from their recent displays. He remains optimistic that the current group can unite to provide a more competitive showing in the final Test. The report also notes that hesson, however, feels the whole squad can now unite and give a better account of themselves when the third Test at Edgbaston starts on Sept.9. The report also notes that i was heading over to see the King and be part of a nice occasion.
