Interim head coach Mike Hesson has observed that the Pakistani side seems to be accustomed to a certain degree of upheaval, a sentiment he expressed while outlining the team’s strategy for the final Test of a challenging English tour. The series has been marked by a series of dramatic events, including a heavy defeat at Lord's that left Pakistan trailing 2-0 with only one match remaining at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on September 9.
Following the 194-run drubbing at Lord's, which came on the heels of an innings loss at Headingley, the management made sweeping changes to the squad. Seven players were dropped and seven fresh faces were introduced, five of whom have never before played at Test level.
This radical reshuffle was not limited to the playing XI; it also saw white‑ball coach Hesson being promoted to the Test coaching role after the removal of Sarfaraz Ahmed from that position. Speaking to the press in Birmingham on Friday, Hesson, who previously spent six years coaching his native New Zealand between 2012 and 2018, said, "It has been a very demanding period. The lads are probably more used to a bit of chaos than I am.
There is no doubt they are deeply disappointed, but we have had to set that aside and ask ourselves: what next? They have shown a lot of resilience over the past couple of days." The seven players who were cut from the squad included four who featured in both of the opening Tests – opening batsman 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 matchday lineup.
One of the recurring criticisms leveled at Pakistan has been the lack of variety in their bowling attack. Observers have noted an absence of genuine express pace and a shortage of wrist‑spin options, which traditionally give the Pakistani side its distinctive edge. Hesson addressed this concern, stating, "Nobody wants to make such drastic changes in the middle of a series, but from my perspective the priority is to assemble a balanced squad that offers genuine variety, not just for this Test but for the future as well.
Pakistan is renowned for its quick bowlers, unconventional actions and mystery spinners – we have not been able to showcase those strengths lately. We need an X‑factor to generate opportunities and to back up Mohammed Abbas, who has performed admirably." In addition to the on‑field adjustments, Hesson 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 and Rizwan, were removed from the attendance list before the invitation was sent, noting, "There has been a lot of speculation in the media, but the story about him refusing to attend is simply fabricated. The organisers were informed well in advance that those three players would not be present. Such misinformation is unacceptable journalism." Former Pakistan coach and former Australian paceman Jason Gillespie offered his perspective in The Australian, expressing sympathy for the players whose careers are directly impacted by such abrupt decisions.
Gillespie remarked, "I feel for the players – this is their livelihood. From an outsider’s view it looks like they are operating under fear.
Salman went from captaining the side in the first Test to being excluded from the second and then sent home before the third. Consistency on the field requires consistency off it, at the board, selection and coaching levels. The talent in Pakistan is world‑class; these players simply need stable support structures 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, beginning at 10 a.m.
on Wednesday, September 9 (with the first ball at 11 a.m). Those without a Sky subscription have the option to stream the match contract‑free via NOW. The series has been a roller‑coaster for Pakistan, but Hesson remains hopeful that the fresh faces and renewed tactical approach will inject the missing spark and possibly turn the tide in the final showdown at Edgbaston.