Hesson open to taking charge of Pakistan Test side
Pakistan interim head coach Mike Hesson has expressed his willingness to take up the Test coaching role on a permanent basis alongside his existing white-ball responsibilities, saying he believes the country has enough talent to make progress in the longest format. Hesson was speaking after Pakistan’s eight-wicket defeat by England in the third Test at Edgbaston on Friday, a loss that completed a…
Interim Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has expressed openness to taking on the permanent Test coaching role alongside his current responsibilities for white-ball cricket. He believes Pakistan possesses sufficient talent to progress in the Test format, but acknowledges it will take more than a few matches to effect change. Hesson, who took the interim Test coaching position recently following Sarfaraz Ahmed's dismissal, stated he has not yet contemplated his future in the Test team.
The New Zealander's focus is on upcoming Asian Games, with discussions about the Test side likely to follow. England made preliminary contact with Hesson's agent regarding a potential replacement for Brendon McCullum, but the approach fell through due to his commitment to Pakistan's white-ball squad until the 2027 World Cup. The coach acknowledged the depth of issues facing Pakistan's Test side, attributing them to a year or two of challenges rather than just the recent England series.
Hesson emphasized the need to focus on skills suited to Test cricket, such as playing fast pace and bringing diverse elements to the game, rather than just runs and wickets. He expressed confidence in the team's response after arriving in Birmingham amid changes, noting their focus and calm under pressure. Pakistan's next Test assignment is a two-match home series against Sri Lanka in November.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Hesson open to permanent Pakistan Test coaching role dailytimes.com.pk
