The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly preparing major changes to the Pakistan Test team management following the national side’s heavy defeat against England at Lord’s. A meeting chaired by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in London has resulted in several important decisions aimed at improving the team’s performance before the third Test.
According to sources, former national white-ball head coach Mike Hesson has been appointed to take charge of the Pakistan Test team for the upcoming third Test against England at Edgbaston. The decision comes after Pakistan’s disappointing performances during the ongoing England tour.
Mike Hesson Set to Lead Test Team
Mike Hesson previously worked with Pakistan’s white-ball setup and is now expected to take responsibility for the Test side, at least for the third match of the series.
His appointment represents a significant change in the coaching structure. The PCB appears to be looking for a different approach after a series of poor results and growing concerns over the team’s performance in Test cricket.
Sources have also indicated that Hesson could eventually become the permanent head coach of the Pakistan Test team if the board decides to make the temporary arrangement permanent.
The move would give Hesson an opportunity to assess the squad closely and introduce his own methods ahead of future Test assignments.
Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul Under Pressure
The changes could also affect the existing coaching staff.
According to sources, current Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul are likely to be removed from their respective positions. Both coaches are expected to leave their roles after returning home from England.
Sarfaraz’s tenure has been particularly difficult in terms of results. Under his coaching, Pakistan played six Test matches, winning only one and losing five.
Among those defeats was a disappointing series whitewash against Bangladesh away from home. The latest struggles in England have added further pressure on the management and intensified calls for changes.
The PCB is reportedly considering Ashley Noffke as a possible replacement for Umar Gul as bowling coach. The Australian coach could become part of a revised coaching structure if the board proceeds with the planned changes.
Poor England Tour Triggers Action
The heavy defeat at Lord’s appears to have accelerated the PCB’s decision-making process.
Pakistan struggled to compete with England during the Test, with weaknesses appearing in both batting and bowling. The result has increased concerns about the side’s preparation, consistency and ability to perform against strong opposition away from home.
For the Pakistan Test team, the third Test at Edgbaston will therefore carry considerable importance. A change in coaching leadership could provide a fresh start, but the players will still need to respond on the field.
The PCB is expected to assess the team’s overall performance while also reviewing the responsibilities of the coaching and support staff.
Key Players to Return
Alongside the coaching changes, the PCB has reportedly decided to immediately recall several experienced players.
Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha are expected to return to the squad. Their inclusion could provide additional experience and stability to a side that has struggled for consistency during the tour.
Rizwan’s experience behind the stumps and with the bat could be particularly valuable, while Imam has considerable experience in Test cricket. Salman Ali Agha could also strengthen the batting and all-round options available to the team.
Their return suggests that selectors are looking to combine experience with the existing squad as Pakistan attempts to recover from its difficult start.
What It Means for Pakistan Cricket
The reported changes underline the growing pressure surrounding Pakistan’s Test setup. Winning just one of six matches under the current coaching arrangement has raised questions about whether the existing strategy is producing the desired results.
However, changing coaches alone will not automatically solve the team’s problems. Pakistan will also need improvements in batting technique, bowling consistency, fielding and match preparation.
The Pakistan Test team has traditionally produced strong performances in challenging overseas conditions, but recent results have highlighted a need for greater consistency.
The appointment of Hesson could bring a different tactical approach, particularly because of his previous experience with Pakistan’s white-ball side. His understanding of the players and the team’s broader cricketing environment could help him settle into the Test role quickly.
Focus Shifts to Edgbaston
With the third Test approaching, attention will now turn to Edgbaston and whether the reported changes can produce an immediate response.
For the Pakistan Test team, the match represents an opportunity to rebuild confidence after the disappointing Lord’s result. A strong performance could ease some of the pressure surrounding the squad and management, while another defeat would likely intensify calls for broader reforms.
The PCB’s reported decisions demonstrate that the board is unwilling to ignore the team’s recent results. Whether the changes deliver lasting improvement will ultimately depend on performances on the field.
For now, Hesson’s expected involvement, possible coaching changes and the return of experienced players have created a new chapter for Pakistan’s Test side. The third Test against England will provide the first major test of whether the revised approach can help the Pakistan Test team regain its competitiveness.
