Interim head coach Mike Hesson has observed that the Pakistani side seems to have grown accustomed to a certain degree of disorder as they strive to finish a difficult England tour on a positive note with the final Test. The series has been marked by dramatic shifts, including a massive overhaul of the squad after a crushing 194‑run defeat at Lord's, which followed an innings loss at Headingley. With the series score now 2‑0 in England's favour and only one Test remaining at Edgbaston starting on September 9, Hesson faces the task of rebuilding a competitive team.
In response to the heavy loss at Lord's, the management made sweeping changes: seven players were dropped and seven newcomers were summoned, five of whom have never before played at the international level. The reshuffle extended beyond the playing XI; Hesson, previously the white‑ball coach, was promoted to the Test head‑coach role after the dismissal of Sarfaraz Ahmed from that position. The new selections and staff adjustments underline the urgency felt by the board to inject fresh energy and balance into the side. Speaking to the press in Birmingham on Friday, Hesson, who spent six years coaching his native New Zealand between 2012 and 2018, admitted the situation has been "pretty challenging." 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, but we have to set that aside and ask ourselves: where do we go from here? They have shown some good signs over the past couple of days." Among the seven players omitted were four who 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 left out of the Lord's XI. The loss of these experienced figures has intensified scrutiny of Pakistan's bowling resources, which critics argue lack both genuine pace and a quality wrist spinner. Hesson highlighted the need for a more balanced attack, stating, "I don't think anyone wants this level of upheaval in the middle of a series.
From my perspective, we need to assemble a squad that offers variety, not just for this Test but for the future. Pakistan is traditionally known for its raw speed, unconventional actions and mysterious spin, yet we haven't been able to showcase any of those strengths lately. We need an X‑factor to create opportunities and to back up Mohammad Abbas, who has performed admirably under pressure." The coach also addressed circulating rumors that Salman Ali Agha had declined an invitation to meet King Charles at Clarence House after being dropped.
Hesson dismissed the story as unfounded, explaining that once Agha, Imam‑ul‑Haq and Rizwan were removed from the squad, their names were automatically taken off the guest list. "There has been a void in the news, but people are just making up stories," he said. "Three players were released before I arrived and well before the reception. The organisers were informed that those three would not attend.
Someone has simply fabricated a tale, and that is unacceptable journalism." Former Pakistan coach and former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie weighed in on the wave of dismissals in an interview with The Australian. He expressed empathy for the players, noting that their livelihoods are at stake and that the constant changes convey 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 it – at board, selection and coaching levels. The talent in Pakistan is world‑class; what they need is support off the field." As the third Test approaches, fans can tune in to watch day one 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).
Those without a Sky subscription can explore Sky Sports deals or stream the match contract‑free via NOW. Overall, Hesson's challenge is to stabilise a side that has been rocked by loss, personnel changes and public speculation. By injecting fresh faces, seeking a balanced bowling attack and restoring confidence, he hopes to give Pakistan a fighting chance in the final encounter and perhaps lay the groundwork for a more consistent and resilient team in the months ahead.