Interim head coach Mike Hesson believes that the Pakistan cricket team has become accustomed to a certain level 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 seen dramatic twists, including a crushing 194‑run defeat at Lord's that followed an innings loss at Headingley, leaving Pakistan trailing 2-0 with only one match remaining.
In response to the heavy loss, the management made sweeping changes to the squad. Seven players were dropped from the touring party and seven new faces were added, five of whom have never played international cricket before.
This overhaul was not limited to the playing XI; Hesson, who previously served as the white‑ball coach, was promoted to the Test head‑coach role after Sarfaraz Ahmed was removed from his position. Speaking to the press in Birmingham on Friday, Hesson, who spent six years coaching his native New Zealand from 2012 to 2018, described the situation as "pretty challenging" and admitted that the Pakistani players might be more comfortable with a bit of chaos than he is. He acknowledged the disappointment that the side felt after the two heavy defeats, saying the team needed to set those emotions aside and focus on the question, "Where do we go from here?" He praised the players for the resilience they had shown in the days following the losses. Of the seven cricketers who were cut, four had featured in both of the first two 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 omitted from the Lord's match. The lack of depth and variety in Pakistan's bowling attack has been a recurring criticism throughout the series.
Observers have noted that the pace unit lacks a genuine express bowler and that the spin department is missing a wrist‑spinner capable of turning the ball sharply. Hesson emphasized that the changes were not made on a whim but were intended to create a more balanced squad that could offer different options, not just for the upcoming Test but for future contests as well.
He said, "Pakistan is known for its pace, unconventional actions and mystery spin – we haven't been able to showcase any of that lately. We need a little 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 refused to attend a meeting with King Charles at Clarence House after being dropped. Hesson clarified that Agha, along with Imam and Rizwan, were removed from the squad before the invitation list was finalised, so they were never on the attendance list. "There has been a lot of speculation in the media, but the story about a player refusing to meet the King is simply fabricated," Hesson said.
He added that three players had been released from the squad before his arrival, and the organisers were notified in advance that those individuals would not be present at the royal reception. He condemned the misinformation as "unacceptable journalism." Former Pakistan coach and former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie weighed in on the situation in an interview with The Australian.
Gillespie expressed sympathy for the players, noting that their livelihoods were at stake and that the rapid turnover of personnel gave the impression that the team was operating under fear. He pointed out the inconsistency of dropping Salman Ali Agha, who captained the side in the first Test, only to see him sent home before the third Test. Gillespie argued that consistency on the field must be matched by stability off the field, including board decisions, selection policies and coaching structures.
He praised the raw talent of Pakistani cricketers, saying it is comparable to any other cricketing nation, but stressed that the players need stronger support systems beyond the boundary. As the third Test approaches, fans can tune in to watch day one of the match between England and Pakistan live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, starting at 10 a.m.
on Wednesday, September 9 (with the first ball bowled at 11 a.m.). For those without a Sky subscription, alternative streaming options are available through NOW, which offers contract‑free access to the broadcast. The series has been a roller‑coaster for Pakistan, with moments of promise quickly followed by setbacks. The extensive squad reshuffle reflects a desperate attempt to inject fresh energy and new skills into a side that has struggled to find the right combination of pace, spin and batting solidity.
Hesson's challenge is to integrate five uncapped players into a high‑pressure environment while preserving team cohesion. The upcoming Test at Edgbaston will serve as a litmus test for whether the changes can translate into a competitive performance, and whether the elusive "x‑factor" that Hesson mentions can emerge from the new faces or from a revived display of the traditional Pakistani strengths—raw pace, unorthodox bowling actions and mysterious spin.
The outcome will not only determine the series result but could also shape the future direction of Pakistan cricket, influencing selection policies, coaching appointments and the broader strategy for rebuilding a side capable of competing consistently on the world stage.