Hesson 'open' to full-time Test coaching role

Pakistan interim head coach Mike Hesson said he is open to taking charge of the Test team permanently alongside his white-ball responsibilities after their eight-wicket series-ending defeat to England on Saturday. “I’d be open to it, for sure,” Hesson told reporters after the third Test. “I love Test cricket and there’s enough talent around the system in Pakistan that if we provide some good direction, we can make some strides going forward.” Hesson took over the red-ball side on an interim basis less than two weeks ago after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sacked Sarfaraz Ahmed following the series defeat at Lord’s. The New Zealander said he was encouraged by the talent available but warned that significant improvements would take time. “It’s not going to happen in a game or two but there’s some skill there I’d certainly be considering looking after,” he said. Hesson had previously been approached about England’s Test coaching vacancy following Brendon McCullum’s departure, but England ultimately appointed Stephen Fleming. He stressed that his immediate focus remained Pakistan’s white-ball commitments, with the Asian Games next on his agenda, and said any decision on the Test role would involve discussions with selectors and the PCB. “I haven’t even contemplated a job offer at this stage,” Hesson said. “By the time that arrives I’m sure we’ll have some discussions about the Test team going forward.” Hesson also called for a rethink of Pakistan’s Test selection, saying the team needed players with specific skills rather than simply those producing the most runs or wickets in domestic cricket. “You need players that can play high pace and that can bring different elements to Test cricket,” he said. “Sometimes we have to be brave in terms of picking players that we think have those skills.” Pakistan’s Test struggles, Hesson added, were not the result of their recent defeats alone but had developed over a longer period. “The team hasn’t just struggled in the last week or two, it’s been a year or two in the making,” he said, calling for greater attention to detail throughout the squad. Hesson nevertheless praised the players for showing character after a difficult start in Birmingham, where Pakistan conceded several early wickets after losing the toss. “I was really pleased with the way we showed some character the last couple of days,” he said. “It wasn’t perfect, but it was certainly some really good signs.” Pakistan’s next Test assignment is a two-match home series against Sri Lanka in November.