Interim head coach Mike Hesson has observed that the Pakistani side seems to be accustomed to a degree of disorder, a trait he believes could be both a challenge and an asset as they aim to finish a difficult English tour on a positive note. The team’s recent schedule has been marked by a series of dramatic shifts, beginning with a crushing 194‑run defeat at Lord’s that followed an innings loss at Headingley.
Those back‑to‑back setbacks left Pakistan trailing 2‑0 in the three‑match series, with only the final Test at Edgbaston remaining from September 9 onward. In response to the heavy losses, the management made sweeping changes to the squad. Seven players were dropped from the touring party, and an equal number of fresh faces were called up, five of whom had never before represented Pakistan at the international level.
The overhaul was not limited to the playing eleven; Hesson, who had previously served as the white‑ball coach, was promoted to the role of Test head coach after the removal of Sarfaraz Ahmed from that position. Speaking to reporters in Birmingham on Friday, Hesson – who spent six years coaching his native New Zealand from 2012 to 2018 – admitted that the situation had been "pretty challenging" for everyone involved.
He added, "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 set that aside and ask ourselves, ‘what now?’ They have responded well over the past couple of days." Among the seven players who were cut, four had featured in both of the first two Tests: opening batsman Imam‑ul‑Haq, wicket‑keeper Mohammad Rizwan, spinner Ali Usman and seam bowler Khurram Shahzad. Salman Ali Agha, who captained Pakistan in the Leeds Test while Babar Azam was sidelined with injury, also found himself omitted from the Lord’s line‑up.
The lack of variety in Pakistan’s bowling attack has been a recurring criticism throughout the series. Observers have pointed out the absence of a genuine fast‑bowling spearhead and a quality wrist spinner, both of which are traditionally hallmarks of Pakistani cricket. Hesson addressed these concerns directly, stating, "I don’t think anyone wants to make such sweeping changes in the middle of a series, but from my perspective the priority is to assemble a balanced squad that can offer some variety in our attack, not just for this Test but looking ahead as well.
Pakistan is renowned for pace, unconventional actions and mystery spin – we haven’t been able to showcase any of that so far. We need a little bit of an X‑factor to generate opportunities and to back up Mohammed 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. Hesson clarified that Agha, along with Imam and Rizwan, had been removed from the squad before the invitation was extended, and therefore their names never appeared on the guest list.
"There’s been a lot of speculation, but people are just making up stories," the 51‑year‑old said. "Three players were released before I arrived and well before the reception. The organisers were informed that those three would not be attending. Someone has simply fabricated a narrative, and that is unacceptable journalism." Former Pakistan coach and former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie weighed in on the situation in an interview with The Australian newspaper.
He expressed sympathy for the players, noting that their livelihoods were at stake and that the rapid turnover could create an atmosphere of fear. "Salman goes from captaining the side in the first Test to being out of the squad for the second and on a plane home before the third. How does that work? Consistency on the field requires consistency off the field – at the board, selection and coaching levels.
The talent in Pakistan is world‑class; what they need is solid support off the pitch." As the third Test approaches, the Pakistani camp hopes that the new additions and the fresh strategic direction will inject the missing spark. The team will be looking to leverage any remaining strengths – whether it be raw pace, unorthodox bowling actions or the elusive mystery spin that has historically troubled opponents – to turn the series around.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the X‑factor Hesson mentioned materialises, and whether the revamped squad can deliver a performance that restores confidence after a turbulent tour. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with kickoff scheduled for 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9 (11 a.m local time for the first ball). For viewers without a Sky subscription, alternative streaming options are available through NOW TV and other platforms offering contract‑free access.
All games will be available live via Sky Sports coverage.