Mike Hesson Steps In as Interim Coach Amidst Pakistan's Test Team Overhaul

In a surprising turn of events, Mike Hesson has been appointed as the interim coach for Pakistan's Test team following significant changes by the PCB. With the team facing heavy defeats against England, Hesson acknowledges the challenges ahead while focusing on preparing the squad for the final Test. The PCB has released several players and introduced new talent, aiming to revitalize the team's performance. Hesson emphasizes the need for a balanced squad and a strong bowling attack suited for English conditions. As the team gears up for the crucial match, fresh faces are expected to bring energy and variety to the lineup.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 5, 2026, 01:28 IST

Rapid Changes in Pakistan's Test Team

Birmingham [UK], September 5: Mike Hesson acknowledged the swift developments since his unexpected appointment to Pakistan's Test team, following significant alterations made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during the ongoing series against England. He described the situation as both 'difficult' and 'unfortunate', according to reports from a sports media outlet.

Hesson confirmed that he is currently serving as the interim coach.

In preparation for the third and final Test against England on September 9, Pakistan has made substantial changes to their Test squad, replacing nearly half of the team and parting ways with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul after two heavy losses.

These changes followed a 194-run defeat in the second Test, which allowed England to secure a 2-0 lead in the series. The PCB released seven players, including Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Agha, Ali Usman, Aamer Jamal, Awais Zafar, and Khurram Shahzad after the loss at Lord's.

To fill the gaps, Pakistan has introduced five uncapped players alongside Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal. The new additions include Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Imran Jnr, Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Randhawa, and Razaullah.

Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, who are part of the white-ball coaching staff, have been appointed as head coach and bowling coach, respectively.

During a pre-match press conference ahead of the third Test, Hesson described the mid-series changes as challenging but emphasized his commitment to preparing the team for the upcoming match and making positive strides.

"This has been a tough situation for everyone involved, both those departing and those coming in. No one desires such changes during a series. It’s unfortunate, but my focus is on what lies ahead. If we can make significant progress this week, it will be a positive start," he stated, as reported by a sports media outlet.

Hesson noted that he was appointed as the interim Test coach on short notice, as the PCB's changes unfolded rapidly while he was preparing for the Asian Games in Japan.

"I’m stepping in as interim. Things have moved quickly. I was in Japan getting ready for the Asian Games, then returned to Lahore, and was brought here swiftly due to the impending changes. We organized everything as quickly as possible," he explained.

While Hesson was not privy to the specific reasons behind the players' removals, he defended Salman Ali Agha, asserting that he has been one of Pakistan's top players despite a recent slump.

"I’m not aware of the exact reasons for their removal. I’ve read the same reports as everyone else. Salman Ali Agha has been one of our best players over the past couple of years. He’s had a few poor Tests, but he’s a talented player and is understandably disappointed not to be part of the squad," he remarked.

Hesson clarified that he was not involved in the selection of Pakistan's original Test squad and only became engaged after the changes were implemented. His priority is to assemble a balanced squad and a bowling attack suited for English conditions.

"Until now, I haven’t been involved in red-ball cricket in Pakistan at all; my role has been in the white-ball selection panel. I had no part in the selection for this tour. When I took over, three players had already exited the squad: Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha," he noted.

"From that point, it was about finding a balanced squad for the third Test. We needed to make changes and create a bowling attack that could compete effectively in these conditions. That was our starting point," Hesson added.

One of the PCB's more surprising decisions was the release of Ali Usman, who had been performing well on the tour, taking five wickets in a warm-up match and another five-wicket haul in Leeds. However, he bowled only 12 overs at Lord's, where conditions favored fast bowlers.

Hesson acknowledged Ali Usman’s quality but explained that including a non-batting finger-spinner in England is challenging due to the conditions and limited bowling opportunities.

"Ali Usman is a talented bowler. However, given the conditions in the UK, it’s unlikely to have a finger-spinner in the playing XI who doesn’t bat. In different conditions, he could still be in contention moving forward. But here, we can’t afford to carry a finger-spinner who bowls only a couple of overs an innings and doesn’t contribute in the field," he stated.

Hesson emphasized that Pakistan would concentrate on what they can control, with the new players expected to inject fresh energy and diversity into the bowling attack.

"We focus on aspects we can manage and prepare as thoroughly as possible. We understand the challenges ahead, and some players have had some success in the previous Tests to draw upon, while others need to adapt. With fresh faces arriving, there will be plenty of energy and excitement, along with added variety to our bowling attack, which is crucial for our progress," he concluded.