Brief Score: England (453 & 130/2) beat Pakistan (133 & 449) by 8 wickets in the third and final Test.
Pakistan’s 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 handed the Test coaching role on an interim basis 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 to suffer a 0-3 series whitewash.
Despite the result, Hesson was impressed by the talent available in Pakistan’s red-ball setup and believes the team can make progress in the right direction.
“I’d be open to it, for sure. I love Test cricket,” Hesson said after the match.
“There’s enough talent around the system in Pakistan that if we provide some good direction, we can make some strides going forward. It’s not going to happen in a game or two, but there’s some skill there I’d certainly be considering looking after.”
England vs Pakistan 3rd Test Day 4: Highlights from Edgbaston
Hesson had previously said his Test role was only temporary. He is now open to staying on, although he said he has not yet discussed a permanent appointment with the PCB.
“I haven’t even contemplated [a job offer] at this stage. I’ve got the Asian Games a week after I get back. That’s my main focus in terms of the white ball,” he said.
“By the time that arrives I’m sure we’ll have some discussions about the Test team going forward. That’s a discussion I’ll have with the selectors.”
HESSON CONFIRMS ENGLAND APPROACH
Hesson also revealed that he was approached about becoming 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 appointed Stephen Fleming as McCullum’s replacement.
“I was contacted by my agent to say there had been an approach to have a discussion around my availability, as I’m sure many people were,” Hesson said.
“I made it pretty clear I had 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 in for five or six years. I see it through, then you have a break, then you refresh and try for 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 batting pitch.
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja said the team needs to give Test cricket greater attention.
“It’s time to revisit Test match cricket,” Ramiz told BBC Test Match Special. “It’s back to the drawing board because in the sub-continent not a lot of emphasis is put on Test match cricket.”
– Ends
