Interim head coach Mike Hesson has observed that the Pakistani side seems to be accustomed to a degree of turbulence, a trait he believes could be both a challenge and an asset as they strive to finish a difficult English tour on a positive note. The team is heading into the final Test at Edgbaston with a 2-0 series deficit after a crushing 194‑run loss at Lord's, which followed an innings defeat at Headingley. In response to those setbacks, the management has made sweeping changes, dropping seven players and bringing in seven new faces, five of whom have never before played at the international level.
The overhaul extends beyond the playing XI. Hesson, previously the white‑ball coach, has been promoted to the Test helm after the dismissal of Sarfaraz Ahmed from that role. The former New Zealand coach, who spent six years leading his home side from 2012 to 2018, spoke to the press in Birmingham on Friday about the upheaval. \"It’s been quite a test for everyone involved,\" he said.
\"The lads are probably more used to a little bit of chaos than I am. They’ve been hugely disappointed by the results, but we have to put that aside and ask ourselves where we go from here.
They have shown a lot of resilience over the past few days.\" Among the seven players who were cut, four featured in both of the opening Tests: opener Imam-ul-Haq, wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, spinner Ali Usman and fast bowler Khurram Shahzad. Salman Ali Agha, who captained the side in the Leeds Test when Babar Azam was sidelined with injury, was also omitted from the squad that suffered the heavy defeat at Lord's. The lack of variety in Pakistan’s bowling attack has drawn particular criticism, with pundits noting the absence of a genuine quick‑bowling spearhead and a wrist spinner capable of turning the ball sharply.
Hesson addressed these concerns directly, emphasizing the need for a more balanced unit. \"I don’t think anyone wants to make such drastic changes in the middle of a series,\" he explained. \"From my perspective, it’s about assembling a squad that offers genuine variety – pace, spin, and that element of surprise that Pakistan cricket is famous for.
We need an X‑factor to create opportunities and to back up Mohammed Abbas, who has performed exceptionally well.\" The coach also dismissed rumors that Salman Ali Agha had declined an invitation to meet King Charles at Clarence House after being dropped. According to Hesson, Agha, along with Imam and Rizwan, were removed from the attendance list once they were excluded from the squad. \"There has been a lot of speculation in the media, but the story is simply not true,\" the 51‑year‑old said. \"Three players were released before I arrived, and the organisers were informed that they would not be attending.
It’s disappointing to see unfounded stories being circulated.\" Former Pakistan coach and former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie weighed in on the situation in an interview with The Australian. He expressed sympathy for the players, noting that their livelihoods are at stake and that the rapid turnover can create an atmosphere of fear. \"Salman went from captaining the side in the first Test to being out of the squad for the second and on a flight home before the third. That kind of instability is hard to digest,\" Gillespie said.
\"If you want consistency on the field, you need consistency off it – at the board, selection and coaching levels. The talent pool in Pakistan is world‑class; what they need is solid support off the pitch.\" The upcoming third Test at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on September 9, offers Pakistan a chance to reset and potentially turn the series around. Hesson hopes the influx of fresh talent, combined with a clearer strategic plan, will inject the missing spark. He highlighted the importance of giving the newcomers a clear role while also ensuring that experienced players like Abbas have the backing they need to succeed.
Beyond the immediate tactical adjustments, Hesson is also focused on rebuilding confidence within the squad. He believes that exposing young players to the pressures of a high‑profile series can accelerate their development, provided they receive adequate guidance. The coach plans to work closely with the batting and bowling units to refine techniques, improve fielding standards, and foster a resilient mindset that can withstand the inevitable ups and downs of international cricket.
Fans can watch the third Test live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 10 am on Wednesday, September 9 (11 am local time for the first ball). For those without a Sky subscription, streaming options are available through NOW, which offers contract‑free access to the match.