Mike Hesson has opened the door to taking up a full-time role with Pakistan’s Test team after serving as interim coach during the recently concluded England series.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) brought in Hesson and bowling coach Ashley Noffke after making major changes to the Test squad and coaching setup.
The changes followed Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the Lord’s Test.
The PCB released seven players from the squad and brought in an equal number of replacements. Red-ball coaches Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul also left their roles.
Hesson then took charge of the Test side on an interim basis for the rest of the series.
Hesson Open to Test Coaching Role
Speaking at the post-match press conference, the 51-year-old was asked whether he would continue with the Test team after his current assignment.
Hesson said he would consider the opportunity. He highlighted his strong affinity for Test cricket and Pakistan’s talent pool.
The New Zealander believes Pakistan can make significant progress with the right guidance.
However, Hesson stressed that the team would need patience to improve its Test fortunes. He said Pakistan could not achieve major progress overnight.
“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. It’s certainly not going to happen in a game or two, but I think there’s some skill there that I’d certainly consider looking after,” Hesson said.
Asian Games Remain Hesson’s Priority
Hesson clarified that he had not seriously considered his long-term role with Pakistan’s red-ball setup.
His immediate focus remains white-ball cricket and his upcoming assignment at the Asian Games.
He said discussions about the future structure of Pakistan’s Test team could take place before the Asian Games.
That could allow the PCB and Hesson to consider his potential involvement with the red-ball side at a later stage.
“I haven’t even contemplated that at this stage. I’ve got the Asian Games coming up, and that’s my main focus in terms of white-ball cricket. By the time that arrives, I’m sure we will have had some discussions about the Test team going forward,” he stated.
Hesson’s First Test Assignment Ends in Defeat
For the unversed, Hesson’s first assignment as Pakistan’s interim red-ball coach did not meet his expectations.
Joe Root’s England secured an eight-wicket win over Pakistan at Edgbaston.
England successfully chased down a 130-run target to complete a series victory.
