Interim head coach Mike Hesson has observed that the Pakistan cricket side seems to have grown accustomed to a degree of turbulence, a reality the team must confront as it seeks to finish a challenging England tour on a positive note in the final Test. The series has already seen Pakistan suffer a heavy 194‑run loss at Lord's, following an innings defeat at Headingley, leaving them trailing 2-0 with only the Edgbaston encounter on September 9 remaining.
In response to the drubbing, the management undertook a dramatic reshuffle, dropping seven players and introducing seven fresh faces, five of whom have never before played at Test level. The overhaul 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 from 2012 to 2018, addressed the press in Birmingham on Friday, noting, "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." Among the seven players cut were four who 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 Leeds when Babar Azam was sidelined with injury, also missed the Lord's defeat and was omitted from the squad for the final match. Critics have repeatedly highlighted Pakistan's lack of variety in its bowling attack.
The current unit is perceived to be missing a genuine express pacer and a quality wrist spinner, both of which have historically been hallmarks of Pakistani cricket. Hesson acknowledged this shortfall, stating, "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." The coach also dismissed rumors that Salman Ali Agha had declined an invitation to meet King Charles at Clarence House after being dropped. Hesson clarified that Agha, along with Imam and Rizwan, were removed from the attendee list before the invitation was sent out, saying, "I know there's been a void in the news but people are just making up stories. 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 offered his perspective to The Australian, expressing sympathy for the players whose livelihoods are at stake.
He observed, "From the outside it looks like they are playing with fear. Salman goes from captaining the team in the first Test, to being out of the team for the second Test and on the plane home before the third Test. How does that work?
If you want consistency on the field there needs to be consistency off the field. That goes to board level, selection and coaching level.
The talent there is as good as anywhere in the world. These players just need support off the field." The upcoming third Test at Edgbaston presents a crucial opportunity for Pakistan to regroup and demonstrate resilience. Hesson's task is to blend the newcomers with the experienced core, inject the missing pace and spin options, and foster a sense of stability after a period of upheaval. The series also underscores broader issues within Pakistan cricket, including the need for transparent selection policies, consistent leadership, and adequate support structures for players navigating the pressures of international competition.
Fans can watch day one of the third Test live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage beginning at 10 am on Wednesday, September 9 (the first ball at 11 am). For those without a Sky subscription, streaming options are available through NOW, which offers contract‑free access to the match.
All games are broadcast live on Sky Sports, ensuring cricket enthusiasts worldwide can follow Pakistan's quest to end the tour on a high note.