‘We need some variety’ - Mike Hesson outlines Pakistan’s plan for third Test

Hesson's Make-or-Break Mission: Can Pakistan Salvage Pride in Birmingham Finale?

Pakistan are reeling. A 2-0 series deficit, a squad gutted of seven players, and a coaching shake-up mid-tour. Interim red-ball coach Mike Hesson has been handed a rebuild job with the third and final Test in Birmingham kicking off Wednesday, Sept 9.

The Chaos Behind the Scenes

Hesson didn't sugarcoat the turmoil. Players cycling in and out of the hotel, a revamped staff, and a side "incredibly disappointed" after back-to-back thudding—lost by an innings and 103 in the opener, then by 194 in the second. He even admitted he's not used to the camp's brand of chaos, while the players clearly are.

Selection Fallout

Here's the juicy bit—Hesson dropped a bombshell that he had zero involvement in the red-ball squad selection. He's on the whiteball panel only. That comes hot on the heels of the PCB issuing showcause notices to selectors over the inclusion of Imam-ul-Haq and Rizwan. Transition is the word of the moment, but the questions are piling up.

The Game Plan: Variety is Everything

Hesson's thesis is simple and data-backed. Pakistan are famous for pace, weird actions, and mystery spin—but they haven't shown a shred of that here. His focus: build a balanced attack with actual variety, plus find that elusive x-factor to back up their standout performer.

One Bright Spot

Mohammad Abbas has been the lone light—10 wickets at an average of 20.80, topping the bowling charts. If Pakistan want even a glimmer of dignity in this finale, they need to build around him.

Bottom line: it's a dead rubber for series honours, but for Hesson and this reconstituted side, it's about proving the rebuild has direction.

Source: Crictracker