Mike Hesson has expressed his interest in taking over as the permanent head coach of Pakistan’s Test team alongside his existing white-ball duties. Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, suffered an eight-wicket defeat to Joe Root's England in the third and final Test at Edgbaston, losing the series 3-0.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently made major changes to its coaching setup, removing red-ball coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul after the heavy defeat at Lord’s. Pakistan are now looking for greater stability ahead of their next Test assignment against Sri Lanka at home in November.
Mike Hesson Keen on Taking Up Pakistan Test Coaching Role
Mike Hesson was asked about taking charge of Pakistan’s Test team on a permanent basis. The New Zealander was appointed as interim red-ball coach less than two weeks ago. Hesson stated that there is enough talent in the system to build a competitive Test side.
“I'd be open to it, for sure,” Hesson said at the post-match press conference. “I love Test cricket and there's enough talent around the system in Pakistan that if we provide some good direction, we can make some strides going forward. It's not going to happen in a game or two but there's some skill there I'd certainly be considering looking after.”
Hesson was also approached by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) during its search for Brendon McCullum’s replacement. However, those discussions did not progress beyond the early stages, with England eventually appointing Stephen Fleming.
My Main Focus in Terms of the White Ball - Mike Hesson
Mike Hesson has reaffirmed his commitment to Pakistan’s white-ball setup through the 2027 World Cup. The coach also stated that the final decision is not in his hands, with the Asian Games his immediate priority.
“I haven't even contemplated [a job offer] at this stage. I've got the Asian Games coming a week after I get back. That's my main focus in terms of the white ball. By the time that arrives I'm sure we'll have some discussions about the Test team going forward. That's a discussion I'll have with the selectors.”
It remains uncertain whether Hesson would have enough authority to make those changes if he gets the permanent Test coaching job. The PCB’s approach to selection powers has changed several times in recent years.
Mike Hesson Calls for Changes in Pakistan’s Test Selection
Pakistan showed some fight during the final four sessions at Edgbaston, but their poor start had already put them in a difficult position. On the best batting surface of the series, Pakistan were bowled out for 133 in the first innings, their joint-lowest first-innings Test total in 13 years.
Mohammad Abbas briefly raised hopes with two wickets in the first over on the fourth morning, but England comfortably chased down the target to complete an eight-wicket win. Mike Hesson acknowledged the late improvement but warned that Pakistan cannot solve their Test problems overnight.
“The team hasn't just struggled in the last week or two, it's been a year or two in the making. The attention to detail around basic things as a team needs work. That's not just the playing 11, that's right through the squad. It's a matter of trying to find skill sets that suit Test cricket, rather than necessarily just runs and wickets.”
“You need you need players that can play high pace and that can bring different elements to Test cricket. Some of those you know you can find in first-class cricket in terms of performance, and for some you have to identify skill. In Pakistan, there's always a lot of talk about having a lot of natural talent, and there is. But at times, we have to be brave in terms of picking players that we think have those skills.”
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