Mike Hesson to continue as Pakistan’s interim Test coach for Sri Lanka series

Mike Hesson to continue as Pakistan’s interim Test coach for Sri Lanka series

Mike Hesson Reportedly Set to Continue as Pakistan’s Interim Test Coach

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has reportedly approved an extension for Mike Hesson to remain in charge of the national team’s Test side on an interim basis. Local media reports say the New Zealander will lead Pakistan in its upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, giving him another chance to steady a team searching for better results in the longest format.

The reported decision comes after a difficult period for Pakistan’s red-ball team. A series of coaching and squad changes failed to prevent a 3–0 defeat to England, leaving the PCB under pressure to find a more consistent approach. Hesson’s next assignment will therefore be more than a short-term coaching test: it will offer an early indication of whether his methods can help Pakistan rebuild confidence and improve its Test cricket performance.

A Coaching Reshuffle After Pakistan’s England Defeat

Hesson took over as interim Test coach ahead of the third match against England, following a major shake-up by the PCB. Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was removed from the head coach role, while bowling coach Umar Gul was relieved of his duties. The board also released seven players from the squad and brought in seven replacements for the final Test.

The changes followed Pakistan’s heavy loss at Lord’s and reflected the board’s desire to reset the team’s direction. However, Pakistan went on to lose the final Test as well, completing a 3–0 series defeat. That result underlined how difficult it can be to turn around a team’s fortunes quickly, particularly when changes to personnel and strategy arrive during a series.

Hesson, who already coaches Pakistan’s white-ball sides, brings experience across international cricket and familiarity with the country’s players. He has overseen progress in the ODI and T20I teams, though major silverware has so far remained out of reach. He is also understood to have played a role in Shaun Tait’s return as bowling coach, another sign of his influence within Pakistan’s coaching setup.

Hesson Open to a Permanent Test Role

While the PCB has not formally announced who will lead Pakistan’s Test team in the long term, Hesson has said he would consider taking the position permanently. He has pointed to the talent available in Pakistan and the possibility of making progress with clearer direction and sustained planning.

“I’d be open to it for sure. I love Test cricket, and I think there’s enough talent within the system in Pakistan that, if we can provide some good direction, we can make some strides forward,” Hesson said. He also acknowledged that meaningful improvement would take time rather than arriving in just one or two matches.

His comments suggest a willingness to take on the challenge, but they do not amount to a formal application or confirmation of a long-term appointment. Hesson has also indicated that his immediate attention is on Pakistan’s white-ball commitments, including the Asian Games. Discussions about the future of the Test coaching position are expected to become clearer as the board reviews the team’s needs and performance.

Pakistan’s Sri Lanka Series Carries World Test Championship Stakes

The upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka will be an important opportunity for Pakistan to improve its position in the 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Pakistan currently sits near the bottom of the standings, with five points and a points percentage of 4.63. With a long campaign ahead, the team still has time to recover, but further dropped points would make its route toward contention more difficult.

The opening Test is scheduled for November 9–13 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The sides will then travel to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium for the second match, running from November 17–21. Playing at home could offer Pakistan familiar conditions, but home advantage will only count if the team converts promising positions into sustained performances across five days.

For Hesson, the series will provide a practical test of his ability to organize a red-ball side amid pressure and uncertainty. Pakistan will need reliable top-order batting, disciplined bowling, and sharper decision-making in key sessions. The team’s recent changes may create opportunities for new players, but replacing personnel alone will not solve the deeper challenge of building consistency.

What to Watch in the Two-Test Series

Pakistan’s prediction for the series will depend on how quickly its reshaped group settles into a clear plan. Batting partnerships will be particularly important: regular collapses can leave the bowlers with too little support, while a stable first innings can give the attack time to apply pressure. Pakistan will also need its bowlers to maintain control for long spells and make effective use of conditions in Rawalpindi and Lahore.

The Sri Lanka tests could also help the PCB assess which players are best suited to the demands of Test cricket. A two-match series provides limited time for experimentation, making selection balance and role clarity especially important. If Pakistan can produce competitive performances in both matches, it would ease some pressure on the team and give Hesson a stronger case for continuing in the role.

For now, the reported extension gives the coach an opportunity to focus on the immediate task rather than the uncertainty surrounding his long-term future. Pakistan’s priority is clear: respond to the England series, collect valuable WTC points, and show that the recent overhaul can lead to measurable improvement. The Sri Lanka series will not settle every question about the team’s direction, but it could mark a significant first step toward rebuilding its Test credentials.

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