Pakistan Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed is facing an uncertain future as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to bring white-ball coach Mike Hesson into the red-ball setup. Mike Hesson is expected to take charge of the squad after Pakistan suffered two heavy defeats in the ongoing Test series.
England took an unassailable 2-0 lead after a dominant win in the second Test at Lord's. The defeat ended Pakistan's 16-year unbeaten run at the venue in London and left them with more Test losses than wins for the first time since 1987. They now have 154 defeats against 153 wins from 473 Tests.
Mike Hesson Set to Join Pakistan Test Squad
Mike Hesson is set to become involved in Pakistan's Test team affairs after the PCB asked him to oversee matters related to the red-ball side. According to Geo News, Mike Hesson is expected to join the squad for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham, starting September 9.
Mike Hesson had initially travelled to London with Director of High Performance Aaqib Javed to attend a dinner hosted by Prince Charles. However, the PCB has asked the coach to remain involved with the Test team. He is also expected to be present in Pakistan's dressing room during the Birmingham Test.
It has increased speculation that Hesson could eventually take charge of Pakistan across all three formats. He already oversees the national ODI and T20 teams. The PCB has not officially confirmed any change to the Test coaching structure.
Sarfaraz Ahmed's Future Under Serious Threat
Sarfaraz Ahmed's position as Pakistan's red-ball head coach is under serious scrutiny following the team's performances. The report added that the PCB could remove Sarfaraz Ahmed after the England series.
Sarfaraz Ahmed took charge of the Test side on April 18, but his tenure has started poorly. Pakistan lost 2-0 to Bangladesh in his first assignment before drawing the two-match Test series against the West Indies 1-1. They are trailing the three-match series against England 2-0.
Following the defeat, Pakistan held an emergency meeting at the team hotel. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq are likely to return to Pakistan, while Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas are expected to join the squad for the Birmingham Test.
Saud Shakeel's 97 Goes in Vain as Pakistan Collapse
Pakistan failed to chase down 389 in the second Test at Lord's, getting bowled out for 194. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 97, while Imam-ul-Haq did not bat in the second innings because of injury.
Pakistan lost Azan Awais, Abdullah Shafique, and Babar Azam early. Saud then steadied the innings alongside Shan Masood, with the pair adding 97 runs for the fourth wicket. Saud brought up his 11th Test half-century and kept Pakistan's chase alive with an attacking approach.
Ollie Robinson broke the partnership by dismissing Shan for 26 and then trapped Mohammad Rizwan lbw for one run to claim his fourth wicket. Saud continued to fight with support from Ali Usman, but Josh Tongue eventually dismissed him for 97 off 122 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes.
Tongue then removed Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali to complete England's victory. Robinson finished with four wickets, while Tongue took three and Jofra Archer claimed two.
