Pakistan might be in need of a major change in its coaching team after a poor Test series against England. And it seems likely that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will hand over the Test coaching responsibilities to the current white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, with the former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed possibly set to leave the role after the England tour.
The development comes after Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat against England in the second Test at Lord's Cricket Ground in London. England now leads the three-match series 2-0 after winning the first two matches, and the pressure is on Pakistan's coaching and team management.
According to Geo News, the PCB has asked Hesson to oversee the red-ball side as well as his white-ball teams. His presence with the Pakistan team for the third Test at Edgbaston has added further speculation about an impending change in the coaching structure.
Mike Hesson Expected To Join Pakistan Camp
Hesson had previously traveled to London with Pakistan's Director of High Performance, Aqib Javed. But after the team's troubles in the first two Tests, he is likely to get involved with the red-ball setup ahead of the third match.
The third Test against England will take place on 9 September at Edgbaston. Hesson being in the dressing room could be an early indication of the PCB's new coaching structure.
While he may be limited to the third Test, it is said that the move could eventually create Hesson as full control of the Test team.
Sarfaraz Ahmed's Future Under Cloud
Sarfaraz Ahmed's future as Pakistan's Test head coach is now more uncertain after this development.
According to the report, the PCB is likely to remove Sarfaraz from the Test coaching position after the England tour, with Hesson likely to take over the red-ball duties. But the board has not officially confirmed the change.
Thus, it is unclear whether Hesson's involvement in the Edgbaston Test will be a temporary arrangement or the first step towards a wider restructuring of Pakistan’s coaching system.
And the PCB's decision will depend on the team's performance in the remainder of the England tour and the PCB’s decision on the future of the international calendar.
Pakistan's Batting Problems Add Pressure
Pakistan’s poor batting performance in the Lord’s Test has increased the scrutiny on the team. Pakistan was bowled out for 194 in the second innings when they were trying to make 389 runs on the target.
Pakistan managed a combined total of only 304 runs in their two innings, highlighting the serious problems faced by the batting unit.
Saud Shakeel was Pakistan's best batsman and made 97 off 122 deliveries. But he was not supported by the rest of the batting lineup as England’s bowlers took control of the innings.
Pakistan had already suffered a comprehensive defeat in the opening Test and lost by an innings and 103 runs. The second consecutive loss left England with an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Coaching Restructure Could Be On The Way
Hesson taking charge of the white-ball and red-ball teams would represent a major change in Pakistan's coaching staff. It could also provide the PCB with more continuity across formats, with one coach in charge of the national team in all formats.
But that is to say that combining responsibilities across formats could also present its own challenges, especially given the different demands of Test and limited-overs cricket.
At present, the PCB has not made any official announcement on Sarfaraz Ahmed's position or Hesson’s possible appointment as Test head coach. All this could see Pakistan’s coaching setup at Edgbaston in the third Test affected.
With the Test series already lost, Pakistan will be attempting to avoid a 3-0 sweep while the PCB decides what will be the next step in the team’s leadership and coaching structure.
