Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made a lot of changes in their Test setup after a disappointing start to their ongoing three-match series against England.
After suffering humiliating defeats in the first two Tests, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) dropped seven players from the squad for the third Test in Birmingham, which starts on September 9. The board also made changes to the coaching staff, parting ways with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and fast-bowling coach Umar Gul.
Mike Hesson has now taken charge of the Test team. The former New Zealand head coach was already working with Pakistan’s white-ball sides and has now joined the squad in England.
Ahead of his first Test in the role, Hesson has received some advice from former Pakistan Test head coach Jason Gillespie. The former Australia fast bowler, who had a short stint with Pakistan in 2024 before leaving the position, has urged Hesson to stick to his beliefs and avoid simply agreeing with the PCB.
Gillespie’s own time with Pakistan ended after a period of growing disagreements within the team’s set-up. He has previously pointed the finger at Aaqib Javed for the problems he faced during his stint.
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The former pacer also revealed that the PCB still owes him thousands of dollars, but said he was never willing to compromise on his principles to keep his position.
Gillespie also explained why he initially agreed to take charge of Pakistan’s Test side. According to him, the PCB had promised him an important role in rebuilding the country’s fast-bowling system.
He was particularly excited about the plan to prepare pitches that would offer more pace, bounce and carry to encourage fast bowlers.
However, Gillespie claimed that his position changed significantly after Aaqib Javed joined the set-up. He alleged that Javed became the key decision-maker, leaving him with little say in matters related to the Test team.