Pakistan’s interim head coach Mike Hesson revealed on Friday that the team is likely to select four fast bowlers for the upcoming third Test against England. The final playing XI will be confirmed 24 hours prior to the match, which is scheduled to begin on September 9 at Edgbaston.
Hesson emphasized that the next three to four days are critical as the team shifts its focus toward preparing for the final Test after facing a challenging period. He noted that individual discussions with players have been instrumental in shaping the team’s preparation and strategy.
Taking charge temporarily for this Test, Hesson highlighted the limited preparation time available, which necessitated swiftly assembling a balanced squad following the departures of Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, and Salman Ali Agha. The latter two batters, along with wicketkeeper Rizwan, were removed from the squad before Hesson assumed his role.
Reflecting on Salman Ali Agha’s exclusion, Hesson acknowledged that while Salman had been one of Pakistan’s standout performers over the past two years, his recent form in the last three Tests did not meet expectations. He stressed that the decisions to remove former bowling coach Umar Gul and ex-captain Sarfaraz Ahmed were made independently of him.
Regarding the bowling lineup, Hesson praised left-arm seamer Ali Usman as a quality bowler but indicated that the overall team balance would be a key factor in finalizing the XI. He also commended Mohammad Abbas for his strong performances and stressed the importance of providing him with sufficient support.
In a significant development, Hesson confirmed that Pakistan will most likely field four fast bowlers in the third Test. Despite recent difficulties, he noted that the players’ morale remains high and praised their positive response during this challenging phase.
As Pakistan prepares for the concluding match of the series, the final team selection will be announced a day before the Test begins, allowing the squad to focus fully on their preparations.
