Mike Hesson shuts down reporter over all-rounders question after Pakistan's 0-3 series loss

Mike Hesson confronted a reporter at the post-match press conference after Pakistan's third Test defeat at Edgbaston on September 12, 2026. The reporter suggested that Hesson had favoured all-rounders over specialist bowlers, pointing to the T20 World Cup selection of Shadab Khan ahead of Abrar Ahmed and to the third Test, where Saim Ayub's inclusion was described as fielding four seamers and seven batters.

Hesson pushed back directly on the reporter's characterisation of the team's bowling balance. Hesson told the reporter, 'In the previous Test, they played four bowlers. In this Test, we played five. So I don't understand your question.' When the reporter attempted to continue, Hesson cut in, 'I think you need to get your facts right before you start making comments like that.'

The press conference followed a 0-3 series defeat for Pakistan. England won the first Test by an innings and 103 runs, the second Test by 194 runs with the match going to four days partly because of rain, and the third Test at Edgbaston by eight wickets. Pakistan were bowled out for 133 in the first innings of the third Test, described as their joint-lowest first-innings total in a Test in 13 years.

Pakistan's series results and Hesson's interim appointment

Hesson had been Pakistan's white-ball coach before being appointed interim Test coach for the third Test only. The PCB had sacked regular red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed after the defeat at Lord's, which confirmed the series loss. Hesson was brought in quickly, having been in Japan for the Asian Games preparations and then back in Lahore before travelling to Birmingham.

At the same press conference, Hesson said he would be open to taking the Test head coach role on a permanent basis alongside his white-ball responsibilities. The final decision on any permanent appointment rests with the PCB and the selectors.

"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," said Hesson.