Interim head coach Mike Hesson observed that the Pakistani side seems to have grown accustomed to a degree of disorder as they strive to finish a difficult England tour on a positive note in the final Test, following a week marked by dramatic upheaval. After 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 with just one match remaining, scheduled at Edgbaston from September 9.
In response, seven players were dropped and seven new faces were called up, five of whom have never before played at Test level. The reshuffle extended beyond the playing XI; white‑ball coach Hesson was promoted to the Test helm 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, saying, "It’s been pretty challenging. The guys are probably more used to a little bit of chaos than I am.
There is no doubt they have been incredibly disappointed. We have had to park that and go ‘right, where to from here?’ They have been really good the past couple of days." He emphasized that the team needed to reset its mindset after the back‑to‑back setbacks.
Among the seven players omitted, four had featured in both of the opening Tests: opening batsman 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 left out of the Lord's squad.
The lack of variety in Pakistan’s bowling attack has drawn criticism throughout the series, with commentators noting an absence of genuine pace and a lack of a wrist‑spinner to provide the usual variety that Pakistani cricket is famed for. Hesson added, "I don’t think anyone wants this to happen in the middle of a series.
From my perspective, it is about putting a balanced squad together, not only for this Test, so we actually have some variety in our attack. Pakistan is known for the pace, unusual actions, mystery spin – we haven’t really been able to present any of that.
We need a little bit of x‑factor in there to try and create opportunities, to support Mohammed Abbas who’s done incredibly well." He highlighted the importance of finding that extra spark, whether through a surprise bowler, an aggressive batting approach, or a strategic field placement that could turn the tide. The coach also dismissed circulating rumors that Salman Ali Agha had refused to attend a meeting with King Charles at Clarence House after being dropped. Hesson clarified that the three players who were removed – Agha, Imam‑ul‑Haq and Rizwan – had their names taken off the guest list before the invitation was sent. "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 at the time that these three players will not be attending. Someone has just made something up. Someone has put two and two together and come up with nine.
For me, that’s unacceptable journalism." Former Pakistan coach and former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie weighed in on the mass dismissals, writing in The Australian that the situation felt unsettling for the players, whose livelihoods depend on selection. "From the outside it looks like they are playing with fear," Gillespie said. He questioned the rapid shift in Agha’s role, noting that the former captain went from leading the side in the first Test to being excluded from the second and flying home before the third. Gillespie argued that consistency on the field requires consistency off it, calling for stability at the board, selection, and coaching levels.
"The talent there is as good as anywhere in the world. These players just need support off the field," he concluded. As the third Test looms at Edgbaston, the Pakistani camp faces a crucial juncture.
The newly introduced uncapped players will be under pressure to perform immediately, while the experienced core must adapt to the revamped bowling strategy. Hesson’s challenge will be to blend the fresh energy of the newcomers with the seasoned skill set of veterans like Mohammed Abbas, ensuring that the team can generate the elusive "x‑factor" that could swing the match in their favour. Fans can watch day one of the third Test live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, beginning at 10 am on Wednesday, September 9 (11 am local time for the first ball).
Those without a Sky subscription can explore streaming options through NOW or other contract‑free services. The series, despite its setbacks for Pakistan, continues to offer a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptation, and the quest for redemption on English soil.