Pakistan's interim Test head coach Mike Hesson has instructed ground staff to prepare pace-friendly pitches for the upcoming home series against Sri Lanka. The team management wants lively surfaces that assist fast bowlers and help Pakistan improve their performances in the longest format.
Pakistan have struggled in Test cricket this year, losing six of their seven matches. They suffered a 3-0 defeat in England, while their two-match series against the West Indies ended in a 1-1 draw. The team ranks ninth in the ICC Test rankings and sits ninth in the World Test Championship standings.
Mike Hesson Instructs Ground Staff to Prepare Fast Pitches for Sri Lanka Tests
Journalist Saleem Khaliq reported that the Pakistan management has decided to prepare lively surfaces for the Sri Lanka series. The ground staff are working to ensure that the pitches offer assistance to fast bowlers, with the team hoping to benefit from similar conditions in future overseas assignments.
"The Pakistani think tank has agreed to prepare lively pitches for home Test series in an effort to end the team's struggles overseas. Mike Hesson has instructed ground staff to prepare fast, pace-friendly pitches for both Test matches against Sri Lanka. The ground staff are working to ensure that the pitches offer assistance to fast bowlers," Saleem Khaliq wrote on X.
Mike Hesson has asked ground staff to prepare pace-friendly pitches for the Test series against Sri Lanka. (Saleem Khaliq) https://t.co/LO3RtsI6Rf
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) November 4, 2026
The opening Test will be Pakistan's first red-ball match at home this year. The two-match series is part of the 2025–2027 ICC WTC cycle, with the first fixture scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from November 9 to 13. The teams will then travel to Lahore for the second Test at the Gaddafi Stadium from November 17 to 21.
Mike Hesson Advises Babar Azam to Play Domestic Cricket to Regain Form
Mike Hesson has also encouraged Test captain Babar Azam to return to domestic cricket and regain his batting form ahead of the Sri Lanka series. Journalist Saleem Khaliq also reported that the PCB has made domestic cricket participation mandatory for centrally contracted players.
"Mike Hesson advised Babar Azam to participate in a domestic four-day match to regain his form, which is why he is currently featuring in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Furthermore, the PCB's decision to make participation in domestic competitions mandatory has compelled star players to represent their respective departments and regions, even if they are reluctant to do so," Saleem Khaliq wrote on X.
The Pakistan-Sri Lanka series began with a three-day warm-up match between the PCB Patron's XI and the touring side at the Islamabad Club on November 4. The practice match will conclude on November 6 and give both teams an opportunity to assess the conditions before the first Test.
Sarfaraz Ahmed's Sacking and Mike Hesson's Appointment
The PCB made major changes to its coaching staff during the England tour. Following the defeat at Lord's, the board sacked head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. Misbah-ul-Haq also resigned from his roles as batting consultant and member of the selection committee.
White-ball head coach Mike Hesson took over as interim Test coach before the third Test against England. He has continued in the role for the home series against Sri Lanka. Former Australian domestic cricketer Ashley Noffke has also joined the support staff as assistant and bowling coach.
Pakistan hold the advantage in their Test head-to-head record against Sri Lanka. Their most recent Test series meeting came in July 2023, when Pakistan won 2-0 in Sri Lanka. The teams also met in a three-match T20I series in October 2026, with Pakistan claiming a 2-1 victory.
