Hesson open to Pakistan job after England approach

Mike Hesson is interested in coaching Pakistan's Test side on a permanent basis - and says he was approached about the England job earlier this year.

The 51-year-old New Zealander was drafted in by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on an interim basis to replace Sarfaraz Ahmed for third Test at Edgbaston.

Sarfaraz was relieved of his duties after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats by England at Headingley and Lord's.

Hesson, who was appointed Pakistan's limited-overs coach in May 2025, oversaw an eight-wicket defeat by England in Birmingham but there were some encouraging signs.

"I'll be open to it, for sure. I love Test cricket," Hesson said.

"I think there's enough talent around the system in Pakistan that if we can provide some good direction, we can make some strides forward.

"It's certainly not going to happen in a game or two, but I think there is some skill there I'd certainly be considering looking after."

Hesson previously coached New Zealand between 2012 and 2018 and said he was approached by the England and Wales Cricket Board over replacing Brendon McCullum.

England sacked McCullum as their Test coach in July and subsequently named another Kiwi in Stephen Fleming as his successor.

"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 added.

"I made it pretty clear I had committed to Pakistan.

"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."

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja said Pakistan's players "put up a fight" in the eight-wicket defeat at Edgbaston but the red-ball side need to receive more focus if they are to have any success.

"It's time to revisit Test match cricket," Ramiz told BBC Test Match Special.

"It's back to the drawing board because in the subcontinent not a lot of emphasis is put on Test match cricket.

"Obviously there was mayhem around the team and that may have hurt the dressing room environment. But Pakistan were also a little underdone, undercooked with preparation."