Interim coach Hesson says he had no say in Pakistan's player dismissals

Pakistan's temporary Test coach Mike Hesson explained that the decision to drop Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq was made prior to his appointment, so he could not comment on the reasons. He did, however, take part in releasing other players and bringing in fresh talent, focusing on a more varied bowling attack that includes all-rounders. Hesson arrived from Japan, where he had been involved in the Asian Games, after the PCB asked him to manage the side for the third Test at Edgbaston starting September 9. The PCB also dismissed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul after England secured a 2-0 lead with victories at Headingley and Lord’s. The revised squad features newcomers such as Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal and several uncapped players.