Hesson targets Pakistan turnaround in Birmingham

Pakistan coach for the third Test against England, Mike Hesson, has acknowledged the challenges of taking charge of the Test side at short notice but believes the focus must now be on building a balanced attack capable of restoring some of the team’s traditional strengths.

Hesson, who has been working with Pakistan’s white-ball setup, has taken charge as interim head coach for the third and final Test against England, with the New Zealander confirming that the appointment is on a temporary basis.

"Up until now, I haven't been involved in red-ball cricket (in Pakistan) at all, so I'm not part of the selection panel. I'm part of the white-ball selection panel. When this side was selected for this tour, I had no involvement at all,” Hesson told reporters.

"From my perspective, it's about putting a balanced squad together, not only for this Test, so we actually have some variety in our attack.

"Pakistan is known for the pace, unusual actions, mystery spin, we haven't really been able to present any of that."

England have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series, with the final Test beginning at Edgbaston in Birmingham on 9 September.

The opening Test saw England claim a commanding innings-and-103-run victory, before they followed it up with a 194-run win at Lord’s.

The sudden change in the coaching guard also means Hesson has had little time to settle into his new role, with the Pakistan squad also undergoing considerable movement ahead of the third Test. 

"The last couple of days have been challenging for being in a hotel with some players coming, some players going and then the arrival of everyone," he added.

"The guys are probably more used to a little bit of chaos than I am.

"There's no doubt they have been disappointed, incredibly disappointed.

One of Hesson's immediate priorities is to add greater variety to Pakistan's bowling attack.

Right-arm pacer Mohammad Abbas has been one of the brighter performers for Pakistan during the series, picking up 10 wickets and Hesson wants the rest of the attack to complement the experience of the 36-year-old.

Abbas was the lone light at Lord's in Pakistan's bowling lineup, picking up a nine-wicket haul that also included a five-for in the second innings.

"From a bowling point of view, we have got to find some variety," he said.

"We need a little bit of an x-factor in there as well to try and create some opportunities to support Mohammed Abbas, who's done incredibly well.

"I know all the players that are here now. Some I've worked with a bit, some I've said hello to a handful of times and watched them play."

The third Test begins at Edgbaston on 9 September, with Pakistan seeking a win to rise from the last position that they occupy in the WTC Standings.

Series schedule:

First Test: August 19-23, Headingley (England won by an innings and 103 runs)

Second Test: August 27-31, Lord's (England won by 194 runs)

Third Test: September 9-13, Edgbaston