Interim head coach Mike Hesson has observed that the Pakistani side appears to be accustomed to a certain degree of turbulence as they strive to finish a challenging English tour on a positive note in the concluding Test, following a week marked by significant 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 in the series with just a single match remaining at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on September 9. In response to the heavy losses, the team management executed a sweeping overhaul: seven players were dropped from the squad and seven new faces were introduced, five of whom had never before played at the international level. The shake‑up extended beyond the playing XI; white‑ball coach Hesson was promoted to the Test coaching role after the dismissal of Sarfaraz Ahmed from his position.
Speaking to the press in Birmingham on Friday, Hesson—who previously spent six years as head coach of his native New Zealand from 2012 to 2018—said, "It has been a very tough period. The players seem to be more used to a bit of chaos than I am.
They are understandably disappointed, but we have to set those feelings aside and ask ourselves: what’s the next step? In the past couple of days they have shown a lot of resilience." He emphasized the need to refocus and rebuild momentum despite the setbacks. Among the seven cricketers who were omitted, 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 when Babar Azam was sidelined with injury, also missed out on the Lord's match and was consequently excluded from the squad for the final Test. One recurring criticism of Pakistan’s recent performances has been the lack of variety in their bowling attack. Observers have pointed out that the pace unit is missing a genuine express bowler, while the spin department lacks a wrist‑spinner capable of delivering the mystery spin for which Pakistan is historically renowned. Hesson acknowledged these concerns, stating, "No one wants to make such drastic changes in the middle of a series, but from my perspective the priority is to assemble a balanced squad—not just for this Test, but for the longer term—so that we have genuine variety in our attack.
Pakistan is famous for raw pace, unconventional actions and enigmatic spin, yet we have struggled to showcase those strengths lately. We need an X‑factor to create opportunities and to back up Mohammed Abbas, who has performed admirably under pressure." Hesson also dismissed rumors that Salman Ali Agha had declined an invitation to meet King Charles at Clarence House after being dropped.
He clarified that Agha, along with Imam‑ul‑Haq and Rizwan, were removed from the squad before the invitation was extended, and therefore their names never appeared on the guest list. "There has been a lot of speculation in the media, but it is simply unfounded," the 51‑year‑old coach said.
"Three players were released from the squad before I arrived, and the organisers were informed that they would not be attending. The story that has been circulated is pure fabrication and represents unacceptable journalism." Former Pakistan coach and former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie weighed in on the controversy, commenting in The Australian that the rapid turnover of players was unsettling for those whose livelihoods depend on selection. "It looks as if the players are operating under fear," Gillespie wrote. "Salman went from captaining the side in the first Test to being omitted for the second and then sent home before the third.
Consistency on the field requires consistency off the field—at the board, selection and coaching levels. The talent pool in Pakistan is world‑class; what they need is stable support and clear direction." The third and final Test at Edgbaston promises to be a crucial encounter for both sides. England will look to wrap up the series with a clean sweep, while Pakistan hopes to salvage pride and perhaps turn the tide with fresh faces and renewed vigor. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with a kickoff scheduled for 10 am (11 am local time) on Wednesday, September 9.
Viewers without a Sky subscription can explore streaming options through NOW or other contract‑free services. Beyond the immediate cricketing implications, the series highlights broader themes about team management, player welfare, and the pressures of international sport. The rapid personnel changes underscore the challenges coaches face when trying to balance short‑term results with long‑term development.
For Pakistan, the task ahead is not merely to win a single Test but to rebuild a cohesive unit that can harness its traditional strengths—raw pace, unorthodox bowling actions and the art of mystery spin—while integrating new talent. In the weeks to come, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether Hesson’s adjustments bear fruit, whether the newly capped players can rise to the occasion, and whether the elusive X‑factor will emerge to shift the momentum in Pakistan’s favour. The outcome of the Edgbaston Test will undoubtedly shape the narrative of this tour and set the tone for Pakistan’s future preparations ahead of upcoming international commitments.