Interim head coach Mike Hesson has observed that the Pakistani side seems to be accustomed to a degree of disorder as they strive to finish a difficult tour of England on a positive note with the final Test at Edgbaston. The series has already been marked by a series of dramatic incidents that have forced the management to make sweeping changes to the squad. After a crushing 194‑run defeat at Lord's, which followed an innings loss at Headingley, Pakistan found themselves trailing 2-0 with only one Test remaining.
In response, the board dropped seven players and called up an equal number of replacements, five of whom have never played at Test level. The overhaul was not limited to the playing XI; white‑ball coach Hesson was also promoted to the Test captaincy role after Sarfaraz Ahmed was removed from his duties. Speaking to the press in Birmingham on Friday, Hesson – who previously spent six years coaching his native New Zealand between 2012 and 2018 – admitted that the situation had been "pretty challenging".
He added that the Pakistani players were probably more familiar with "a little bit of chaos" than he was. "There is no doubt they have been incredibly disappointed," he said. "We have had to set that aside and ask ourselves, ‘where do we go from here?’ They have responded well over the past couple of days." Of the seven cricketers who were cut, four had 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 while Babar Azam was sidelined with injury, was also omitted from the Lord's squad.
One of the recurring criticisms aimed at Pakistan has been the lack of variety in their bowling attack. Observers have pointed out that the pace unit is missing a genuine express bowler and that the spin department lacks a wrist‑spinner capable of turning the ball sharply. Hesson echoed these concerns, stating that it is essential to assemble a balanced side not only for the upcoming Test but also for the longer term. "Pakistan is known for its pace, unusual actions and mystery spin – we haven’t been able to showcase any of that recently," he explained.
"We need a little bit of an X‑factor to create opportunities and to back up Mohammad Abbas, who has performed admirably." The coach also dismissed rumors that Salman Ali Agha had refused to attend a meeting with King Charles at Clarence House after being dropped. According to Hesson, Agha, along with Imam and Rizwan, had their names removed from the guest list as soon as they were excluded from the squad.
"I know there’s been a void in the news but people are just making up stories," the 51‑year‑old said. "Three players were released from the squad before I arrived and well before the reception. The organisers were sent a note that these three would not be attending.
Someone has just fabricated a story – that is unacceptable journalism." Former Pakistan coach and former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie weighed in on the mass dismissals, writing in The Australian that he felt sympathy for the players whose livelihoods were at stake. "From the outside it looks like they are playing with fear," Gillespie observed.
He highlighted the abrupt shift in Agha’s role – from captaining the first Test to being sent home before the third – and argued that consistency on the field requires consistency off it, at the board, selection and coaching levels. "The talent is there, as good as anywhere in the world.
These players just need support off the field," he concluded. 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 (the first ball at 11 a.m). Those without a Sky subscription can explore Sky Sports deals or stream the match contract‑free via NOW. The upcoming match at Edgbaston offers Pakistan a final chance to restore some pride after a turbulent tour. With a revamped squad, a newly appointed Test coach, and a clear call for an X‑factor in the bowling department, the team hopes to turn the tide and finish the series on a more positive note.
Whether the changes will translate into on‑field success remains to be seen, but the willingness to adapt and the acknowledgment of past shortcomings suggest that Pakistan is determined to learn from this challenging episode and emerge stronger for future contests.