Hesson Distances Himself from Pakistan’s Test Squad Selection

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan’s interim red-ball head coach Mike Hesson has made it clear that he played no role in selecting the squad for the ongoing Test series against England, saying he only became involved after several players had already been released from the camp.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made significant changes ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston, with Pakistan trailing 2-0 after defeats in Leeds and Lord’s. Seven players were released from the squad, while a number of replacements were brought into the group.

The coaching setup was also reshaped, with Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul departing the team. Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke have now taken charge of the side for the third Test, scheduled to be played from September 9 to 13.

Speaking to the media, Hesson stressed that his responsibilities previously covered only Pakistan’s white-ball setup and that he was not involved in the original selection process for the Test tour.

“I’ve never been involved in red-ball cricket at all, so I’m not part of the selection panel. I’m part of the white-ball selection panel,” Hesson said.

He explained that by the time he assumed responsibility for the Test side, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha had already left the squad.

“When this side was selected for this tour, I had no involvement at all. When I took over, there were three players who had already left the squad: Rizwan, Imam and Salman Ali Agha,” he added.

According to Hesson, his immediate task was therefore not to reassess the original selections but to put together the most effective combination possible for the third Test, particularly with the English conditions in mind.

“From there, it was a matter of trying to find a balanced squad for us for the third Test. Obviously, we needed to make changes anyway, and we needed to find a balance that would give us a bowling attack the best chance to compete in these conditions. Certainly, that was the starting point,” he stated.

Hesson said he subsequently had discussions with the players who remained at the team hotel, but reiterated that he could not take responsibility for decisions made before his arrival.

“Without doubt. I mean, I think, as I said, there were three players who had left the squad by the time I was involved. So, those who were still in the hotel, I had a chance to talk to them. But, as I said, I hadn’t been involved in picking them in the first place,” Hesson said.

He acknowledged that the transition had been difficult for everyone, particularly for players who were either leaving the setup or being asked to join the squad at short notice.

“It’s a really difficult situation for everybody, for those coming in and those leaving. But our focus, as I said, had to turn very quickly to what we were going to do for the third Test, and that’s pretty much where my focus had to be,” he concluded.