Interim head coach Mike Hesson has observed that the Pakistani side seems to be comfortable with a degree of disorder as they strive to finish a difficult English tour on a positive note in the final Test. After a week marked by significant upheaval, Hesson is hopeful that the team can rebound. Following a crushing 194‑run defeat at Lord's – which came on the heels of an innings loss at Headingley – Pakistan found themselves trailing 2‑0 in the series with only one match remaining, scheduled for Edgbaston from 9 September. In response, the management made sweeping changes: seven players were dropped and seven fresh faces were called up, five of whom have never before played at the international level.
The reshuffle extended beyond the playing XI. White‑ball coach Hesson was promoted to the Test role after Sarfaraz Ahmed was relieved of his duties.
Hesson, who previously spent six years coaching his native New Zealand between 2012 and 2018, addressed the press in Birmingham on Friday, noting, "It’s been quite a challenge. The lads are probably more used to a little bit of chaos than I am.
There’s no doubt they’re deeply disappointed, but we had to set that aside and ask ourselves, ‘What’s the next step?’ They have responded well over the past couple of days." Among the seven players who were omitted, four featured in both of the first two Tests: opener Imam‑ul‑Haq, wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, spinner Ali Usman and seamer Khurram Shahzad. Salman Ali Agha, who captained the side in the Leeds Test while Babar Azam was sidelined with injury, was also left out of the line‑up that suffered the heavy loss at Lord’s.
Critics have repeatedly highlighted Pakistan’s lack of variety in their bowling attack. The unit has been described as missing a genuine pace bowler capable of sustained speed and a wrist spinner to provide the usual mystery element associated with Pakistani cricket. Hesson acknowledged this shortfall, stating, "I don’t think anyone wants to see such drastic changes in the middle of a series. From my perspective, the goal is to assemble a balanced squad, not just for this Test but with an eye on the future, ensuring we have some diversity in our attack.
Pakistan is renowned for its quick bowlers, unconventional actions and enigmatic spin – we haven’t been able to showcase any of that lately. We need a bit of an X‑factor to generate opportunities and to back up Mohammed Abbas, who has performed exceptionally well." The coach also dismissed rumors that Salman Ali Agha had declined to attend a meeting with King Charles at Clarence House after being dropped.
Hesson clarified that Agha, along with Imam‑ul‑Haq and Rizwan, were removed from the squad before the meeting was arranged, and therefore their names were omitted from the guest list. "I’m aware there’s been a void in the news, but people are fabricating stories," the 51‑year‑old said. "Three players were released from the squad before I arrived, and the organisers were notified that they would not be attending.
Someone has simply pieced together a narrative that isn’t true – that’s unacceptable journalism." Former Pakistan coach and former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie weighed in on the series of dismissals, writing for The Australian that the situation felt unsettling for the players whose livelihoods are at stake. "From an external viewpoint it looks as though they are operating under fear.
Salman went from captaining the side in the first Test to being excluded from the second and then flying home before the third. How does that make sense?
Consistency on the field demands consistency off it – at board level, in selection and coaching. The talent in Pakistan is world‑class; what they need is proper support off the pitch." As the third Test approaches, fans can tune in to watch day one live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, starting at 10 a.m.
on Wednesday, 9 September (11 a.m. for the first ball).
Those without a Sky subscription can explore Sky Sports deals or stream the match contract‑free via NOW. The upcoming encounter at Edgbaston offers Pakistan a final chance to demonstrate resilience, integrate the new arrivals, and perhaps rediscover the spark that has historically made their cricket so captivating. Whether the revamped lineup can deliver the long‑awaited X‑factor remains to be seen, but the team’s willingness to adapt under Hesson’s guidance suggests a willingness to confront adversity head‑on and strive for a more balanced, competitive performance in the concluding Test of the tour.