In the wake of Pakistan's eight-wicket loss to England, interim head coach Mike Hesson has indicated his openness to assuming the role of permanent Test coach. This comes after he took over the red-ball team just two weeks prior, following the dismissal of Sarfaraz Ahmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Hesson's comments reflect a commitment to the future of Test cricket in Pakistan, as he aims to guide the team through its current challenges.
After the conclusion of the third Test, Hesson stated, "I’d be open to it, for sure. 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." His enthusiasm for the format is evident, as he recognizes the potential within the squad, despite acknowledging that significant improvements will require time and effort.
Hesson's interim tenure has been marked by a focus on developing the team's capabilities. He emphasized that the path to success is not instantaneous, noting, "It’s not going to happen in a game or two but there’s some skill there I’d certainly be considering looking after." His experience and insight into player development could be crucial for a team that has struggled in the Test arena for an extended period.
Before taking on the Pakistan role, Hesson was considered for the England Test coaching position after Brendon McCullum's departure, but the role ultimately went to Stephen Fleming. Hesson has made it clear that his current priority lies with Pakistan's white-ball commitments, particularly with the upcoming Asian Games, and any discussions regarding the Test role would involve the PCB and selectors.
"I haven’t even contemplated a job offer at this stage," he remarked. Hesson's focus on the immediate future is indicative of his professional approach, as he aims to stabilize the team while also laying the groundwork for long-term success.
In addition to his aspirations for the coaching role, Hesson has called for a reevaluation of Pakistan's Test selection process. He argues that the team needs players with specific skill sets tailored to the demands of Test cricket, rather than merely selecting those who have excelled in domestic competitions. He stated, "You need players that can play high pace and that can bring different elements to Test cricket. Sometimes we have to be brave in terms of picking players that we think have those skills." This perspective could lead to a transformative approach in how the team is built moving forward.
Hesson also highlighted that the challenges faced by the Test team have not arisen solely from recent defeats but are the result of ongoing issues that have developed over the past few years. He noted, "The team hasn’t just struggled in the last week or two, it’s been a year or two in the making," emphasizing the need for a meticulous approach to improvement.
Despite the setbacks, Hesson praised the players for their resilience, particularly after a rocky start in Birmingham where they lost several early wickets after losing the toss. "I was really pleased with the way we showed some character the last couple of days," he said, acknowledging the positive signs amidst the challenges. Looking ahead, Pakistan's next Test series will be a two-match home encounter against Sri Lanka in November, providing an opportunity for the team to regroup and implement Hesson's vision.
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