As Pakistan prepares for the third and final Test against England, interim coach Mike Hesson is focused on rebuilding the team following a disappointing start to the series. With Pakistan trailing 2-0 after heavy losses in the first two matches, Hesson has made significant changes to the squad, bringing in seven new players in an effort to avoid a series whitewash.
The new additions to the team include experienced batters Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, along with five uncapped players: spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas, left-arm seamer Mohammed Imran Junior, wicket-keeper Said Baig, and all-rounders Mohammad Imran and Razaullah. This overhaul comes as a response to the team's struggles to assert themselves in the series, a situation Hesson described as less than ideal.
"I don’t think anyone wants these to happen in the middle of a series, clearly not," Hesson remarked during a press conference. Taking over the red-ball side amid a coaching shake-up that saw head coach Sarfaraz Ahmad and pace-bowling coach Umar Gul depart, Hesson's immediate goal is to prepare the team for the upcoming match at Edgbaston, which is set to begin on September 9.
Hesson acknowledged that Pakistan has not showcased the qualities typically associated with their cricket, such as pace and mystery spin. He expressed hope that the infusion of younger players could help the team rediscover these strengths. "With bits of young players, having had no four to five years’ experience, it’s an opportunity to show that Pakistan has some skills," he stated.
The squad trained at Edgbaston’s indoor facility due to inclement weather in Birmingham, with the remaining players expected to join the training session later. Notably, Hesson confirmed that Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha had been released from the squad prior to his arrival, clarifying that their absence from the guest list for a royal engagement was unrelated to their performance.
Salman, who captained Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley in place of the injured Babar Azam, was dropped from the squad after the second match. Hesson addressed rumors surrounding Salman's refusal to meet King Charles, asserting that the decision to release the players was made well before the royal engagement. "They were sent a note at the time that these three players will not be attending," he explained.
As the team looks to regroup, Hesson emphasized the importance of utilizing the remaining days to assess the new players before finalizing the playing XI for the crucial Test. With the series on the line, the pressure is on Pakistan to deliver a strong performance and restore some pride in their cricketing legacy.
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