Hesson reflects on ‘chaos’ as Pakistan integrates fresh faces for third Test

The squad has been bolstered by the inclusion of batsmen Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, both of whom bring prior Test match experience.

Five uncapped players have also been drafted into the side: spin‑bowling all‑rounder Arafat Minhas, left‑arm seamer Mohammed Imran Jr., wicket‑keeper Said Baig, and all‑rounders Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.

“When I took over, three players had already departed the squad – Rizwan, Imam and Salman Ali Agha,” Hesson explained. “From that point, my focus shifted to assembling a balanced side for the third Test.”

“No one wants such changes to occur mid‑series, that’s certainly clear.”

“From my standpoint, the goal is to field a balanced squad, not just for this Test, but to ensure we have sufficient variety in our bowling attack.”

“Pakistan has historically been renowned for its pace, unorthodox actions, and enigmatic spin – qualities we have struggled to showcase so far.”

On Friday, Pakistan conducted a training session at Edgbaston’s indoor facility due to wet conditions in Birmingham. Four of the newly called‑up players joined the session, with three additional players expected to link up later in the day.

Hesson also responded forcefully to reports that Salman had declined to attend a meeting with King Charles after being dropped from the side.

Salman, who served as Pakistan’s T20 captain under Hesson, skippered the Test side in the series opener at Headingley after Babar Azam suffered an injury, subsequently omitted from the playing XI for the second Test and then removed from the squad altogether.

Hesson stated that Salman did not attend the royal audience because he was among the first trio of players to be dropped from the squad; consequently, Salman, Imam, and Rizwan were excluded from the list of attendees presented at Clarence House.

A Pakistan official subsequently confirmed that the four players who were dropped after Hesson’s arrival were still permitted to meet the King.

“I’m aware there has been a gap in coverage, but people are simply fabricating stories,” Hesson remarked.

“Three players were released from the squad before my arrival and well ahead of the [meeting with the King]. They were informed at the time that these three players would not be attending.”

“Someone has simply invented a story. All the remaining players in the squad were already on the list. I was included on the list as the white‑ball head coach. There have been no alterations to it.”

“Someone has combined unrelated facts to create a false narrative. For me, that represents unacceptable journalism.”

Source link