Mike Hesson is open to a permanent role as Pakistan’s Test coach, leaving the call to the PCB

Brief Scores: England (453 and 130/2) beat Pakistan (133 and 449) by 8 wickets in the third and final Test.

Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson has said he is open to taking charge of the Test team on a permanent basis, but the final decision rests with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Hesson was temporarily given the role of Test coach less than a fortnight ago after the PCB sacked Sarfaraz Ahmed following Pakistan’s series defeat to England. He oversaw the third Test at Edgbaston where Pakistan lost by eight wickets and suffered a 0-3 series loss.

Despite this result, Hesson was impressed with the talent available in Pakistan’s red-ball set-up and believes the team can make progress in the right direction.

“I would certainly be open to it. I love Test cricket,” Hesson said after the match.

“There’s enough talent around the system in Pakistan that if we give some good direction we can take some steps forward. It’s not going to happen in one or two games but there’s a certain skill that I would definitely consider.”

England vs. Pakistan 3rd Test Day 4: Best of Edgbaston

Hesson has previously said his Test role is only temporary. He is now open to staying, although he said he has yet to discuss a permanent appointment with the PCB.

“I haven’t even considered (the job offer) at this stage. I have the Asian Games a week after I come back. That’s my main target in terms of the white ball,” he said.

“By the time it arrives, I’m sure we’ll have some discussions about the future Test squad. That’s a discussion I’ll have with the selectors.”

HESSON CONFIRMS ENGLAND’S ACCESS

Hesson also revealed that he had been approached to become England’s Test coach after Brendon McCullum left the role.

The New Zealander said the approach came through his agent but did not progress beyond an initial discussion. England eventually named Stephen Fleming as McCullum’s replacement.

“I was contacted by my agent to say that there was an approach to discuss my availability, as I’m sure many people have,” Hesson said.

“I have made it quite clear that I am committed to Pakistan.

Hesson, who has coached New Zealand and is Pakistan’s limited-overs coach, said he prefers to stay in roles for several years rather than move frequently.

“Most of the positions I’ve been in, I’ve been there for five or six years. I see it, then you have a break, then you refresh and try something else,” he said.

Pakistan’s Test campaign in England ended with three defeats. Their biggest problem at Edgbaston came in the first innings when they were bowled out for 133 on a good pitch.

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja said the team needs to pay more attention to Test cricket.

“It’s time to revisit Test match cricket,” Ramiz told BBC Test Match Special. “It’s back to the drawing board because there is not much emphasis on Test match cricket in the subcontinent.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

12 Sep 2026 22:20 IST