Pakistan interim coach Mike Hesson addresses ‘challenging’ Test squad shake-up

In a press conference on Friday, interim red-ball coach Mike Hesson further clarified his position, stating he had no involvement in selecting the revamped Test squad as he is part of the white-ball selection panel, not the red-ball panel. He confirmed that Ashley Noffke has been brought in as bowling coach for the final Test.

Hesson also addressed speculation surrounding Salman Ali Agha’s absence from a team meeting with King Charles III, clarifying that Agha and two other released players had been informed beforehand that they would not be attending. He noted that with five uncapped players among the replacements, the situation presents an opportunity to rebuild.

The third and final Test will be played at Edgbaston from September 9 to 13.

Interim head coach Mike Hesson addressed the media on Friday, September 4, stating that the past few days have been "challenging" due to players coming and going. He clarified that his goal is to form a balanced squad for the third Test against England.

Hesson revealed he was appointed as the interim red-ball coach upon his arrival in Lahore from Japan, where he was preparing for the Asian Games. He said he was not informed of the reasons for the release of three players and did not have a chance to speak with them.

Commenting on specific players, Hesson called Salman Ali Agha an "excellent player" who he expects will regain confidence through domestic cricket. He also noted that Saad Baig has been included as the second wicket-keeper, replacing Mohammad Rizwan. Hesson dismissed what he called "strange stories" circulating about the team changes, clarifying that the decision to remove bowling coach Umar Gul was not his.

"The players are disappointed, for sure, but we have to look forward," Hesson said, emphasizing that the team's focus is now on the upcoming match.

Pakistan's interim head coach Mike Hesson has addressed the recent dramatic changes to the Test squad, acknowledging the situation as "chaos" but stating the players are focusing on the final match of the England tour.

Hesson was appointed after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sacked Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and sent seven players home following heavy defeats in the first two Tests. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Hesson said, "The guys are probably more used to a little bit of chaos than I am."

The New Zealander, who was originally in the UK for the team's audience with King Charles, had his duties "expedited" by the crisis. He said the squad has had to move past the disappointment and is now looking ahead to the third Test at Edgbaston, which begins on September 9.

"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," Hesson added.

The former Australian pacer's renewed criticism comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) overhauled the Test squad midway through the ongoing series against England. Following two heavy defeats, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were removed, while seven players were sent home.

Gillespie specifically questioned the handling of Salman Ali Agha, who captained the team in the first Test but was subsequently dropped and sent home before the third match. "How does that work?" he asked.

He described the selection strategy under chief selector Aaqib Javed as chaotic. "It’s pretty clear they don’t have a selection strategy at all... They change their mind like they change their pants — daily," Gillespie was quoted as saying.

He argued that on-field consistency requires stability at the board, selection, and coaching levels.