Photo via Hindustan Times

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson snaps after journalist grills him over ‘all-rounder’ fascination: ‘Get your facts right’

Pakistan white-ball coach Mike Hesson pushed back sharply against a media query following an eight-wicket loss to England at Edgbaston, which completed a 0-3 Test sweep for the visitors. After a reporter alleged that Pakistan regularly compromises its bowling unit by overloading the squad with all-rounders, Hesson pointed out that the tourists actually fielded five bowlers in Birmingham, an increase from the four used in the preceding match at Lord's.

He firmly told the journalist to verify the facts before leveling such criticisms, while also confirming his interest in taking over the Test coaching reins permanently despite the series outcome.

The tour proved miserable overall for Babar Azam's squad, having dropped the opening fixture by an innings and 103 runs inside three days before losing the rain-affected second match by 194 runs. Those initial results triggered sweeping modifications by the Pakistan Cricket Board, which replaced seven cricketers alongside two staff members—dismissing Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling mentor Umar Gul while elevating Hesson to guide the red-ball side.