Mike Hesson admits the difficulty of stepping into Pakistan’s Test setup at short notice but insists the priority now is restoring balance and variety to an attack that has lacked its traditional edge. The New Zealander, appointed interim head coach for the third Test against England, noted he had no role in selecting the squad for this tour, having previously worked only with Pakistan’s white‑ball group. With England already 2‑0 up in the ICC World Test Championship series, Pakistan face the task of avoiding a sweep when the final Test begins at Edgbaston on 9 September.
Hesson highlighted the need to support Mohammad Abbas, Pakistan’s standout performer with 10 wickets, including a nine‑wicket haul at Lord’s. Squad changes and limited preparation time have added to the challenge, but Hesson believes introducing greater variety and an x‑factor could help Pakistan rebound. The team sits last in the WTC standings and urgently needs a response in Birmingham.