Mike Hesson has stepped into the role of interim head coach for the Pakistan Test cricket team amid significant turmoil following a disappointing series against England. The New Zealander, who was initially in the UK for a meeting with King Charles, now faces the challenge of restoring the team’s identity as they prepare for the third Test at Edgbaston next week.

This transition comes after Pakistan’s decision to send seven players home following their 2-0 deficit in the series against England, a move that has sparked considerable discussion within the cricket community. Hesson, who previously served as Pakistan’s white-ball coach, aims to bring stability and a renewed sense of purpose to the squad.

“The guys are probably more used to a little bit of chaos than I am,” Hesson remarked after his first net session with the team. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating, “It’s been pretty challenging,” as he quickly adapted to his new responsibilities.

In the wake of the recent upheaval, Hesson has held one-on-one discussions with the remaining squad members and conducted training sessions at Edgbaston’s indoor facilities. He believes a reset has begun, with three of the seven players being flown in to join the squad. However, he clarified that he was not involved in the decision to send home players like Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha immediately after the defeat at Lord’s.

Hesson emphasized the need for a balanced squad, stating, “From my perspective, it’s about putting a balanced squad together so we actually have some variety in our attack.” He noted that Pakistan is traditionally known for its pace and spin, and he aims to reintroduce these elements into their play.

Hesson highlighted the importance of establishing a clear identity for the Pakistan Test team, which he believes stems from both stability and authenticity in their style of play. “There’s been talk about having an identity as a Test team, and that does come from stability. But it also comes from being authentic to the way your team plays. We have to get back to that,” he stated.

While Hesson has not committed to the role beyond the upcoming Test, he is focused on instilling a sense of calm and direction within the squad. He also addressed rumors regarding the dropped players, asserting that the decisions were made prior to his arrival and were not influenced by the upcoming reception with King Charles.

As Pakistan gears up for the crucial third Test, the team will look to Hesson’s leadership to navigate through this turbulent period and reclaim their competitive edge on the international stage.

The Pakistan squad for the third Test includes new additions such as Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Fazal, and Mohammad Imran, among others. With the series hanging in the balance, all eyes will be on how Hesson’s interim leadership shapes the team’s performance at Edgbaston.

For further details on the squad and upcoming matches, visit The Guardian.