Mike Hesson hints at four fast bowlers for third Test against England

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan interim head coach Mike Hesson said on Friday the team was likely to field four fast bowlers in the third Test against England, with the final XI to be announced 24 hours before the match.

Hesson said that the next three to four days would be crucial as Pakistan shifted its focus towards preparing for the third Test after a difficult few days.

“The last few days have been challenging, but now all our focus is on preparing for the third Test,” Hesson told reporters in Birmingham.

He said individual one-on-one discussions with players had helped determine the team’s preparation and direction.

Hesson, who has been placed in charge of the Test team on a temporary basis for the third Test at Edgbaston, beginning on  September 9, said the limited preparation time had made it necessary to quickly establish a balanced squad after Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha left the squad.

Batters Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha, along with wicket-keeper Muhammad Rizwan – were removed before the former New Zealand coach took over.

“Salman had been among Pakistan’s best players over the previous two years,” Hesson said, adding “although his performances in the last three Tests had not been up to the required standard.”

“Decisions have been made. Now my responsibility is to put together a balanced squad,” Hesson said.

He said that the decisions to remove former bowling coach Umar Gul and former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed were not his.

He said that left-arm seamer Ali Usman remained a quality bowler, but the team would have to consider overall balance when finalising the XI.

He also praised Mohammad Abbas for his performance and said Pakistan would need to provide him with adequate support.

“We will most likely go with four fast bowlers in the third Test,” Hesson said.

The coach said the players’ morale remained good despite the difficult period and praised the squad for its response over the past few days.

“The players have responded very well over the last few days,” he said.

Pakistan will announce its playing XI for the third Test 24 hours before the match, Hesson said, as the team seeks to prepare for the final game of the series.