Pakistan’s interim head coach Mike Hesson is looking to bring stability to the Test side after a dramatic overhaul of the squad and support staff during their ongoing tour of England.
Hesson, who is already in charge of Pakistan’s white-ball teams, has now been handed responsibility for the red-ball side as well following major changes to the coaching setup. Pakistan head into the third Test in Birmingham with their backs against the wall, having already surrendered the series 0-2. As many as seven
players have been released from the squad, with a revamped Pakistan side now hoping to salvage some pride in the final Test.
Reflecting on the upheaval within the camp, Hesson admitted that the constant movement of players had made the last few days difficult.
"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," Hesson was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
"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," he continued.
Hesson also revealed that he had little involvement in Pakistan’s red-ball setup before taking over the Test side, including the selection process. Last week, the PCB reportedly issued a show-cause notice to members of its selection committee, seeking an explanation over the inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan in the England squad.
"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 admitted.
With Pakistan going through a period of transition, Hesson is keen to rebuild the side around the team’s traditional strengths, particularly in the bowling department.
"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," he noted.
"From a bowling point of view, we have got to find some variety," he added.
Pakistan have suffered two heavy defeats in the series so far, losing the first Test by an innings and 103 runs before going down by 194 runs in the second. However, veteran pacer Mohammad Abbashas emerged as one of the few positives for the visitors, leading their bowling charts with 10 wickets at an average of 20.80.
"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,” Hesson said.
The new-look setup will also allow Hesson to work more closely with several players he has had limited interaction with previously.
"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 and final Test of the series is scheduled to begin in Birmingham on Wednesday, September 9.
