Key Takeaways
- Mike Hesson, Pakistan’s head coach, has been shortlisted to become England's next Test head coach.
- The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is considering nine candidates following the departure of Brendon McCullum.
- Hesson’s inclusion on the list draws attention due to his current contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Pakistan's head coach, Mike Hesson, has been identified as one of the potential candidates for England's upcoming Test coaching role. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is currently evaluating nine individuals to replace Brendon McCullum, who was dismissed after a disappointing home series defeat to New Zealand.
The ECB’s decision comes in the wake of Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket, leaving the team without its Test captain. With England preparing for a three-match home Test series against Pakistan, scheduled to run from August 19 to September 13, the search for both a new Test captain and head coach is urgent.
According to reports, Hesson’s name has drawn particular attention due to his current contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He has been serving as Pakistan's white-ball head coach since May 2025, overseeing the national team’s limited-overs setup. His potential move would require him to leave Pakistan at a crucial time for both teams.
The ECB Chief Executive, Richard Gould, recently stated that the pool of realistic candidates was limited to only a handful of coaches worldwide. Among the frontrunners are Andy Flower and Justin Langer, who have previously coached England and Australia respectively. However, Hesson’s inclusion has sparked interest due to his current commitments.
If appointed, Hesson would face significant challenges as he transitions from leading Pakistan's white-ball team to managing England’s Test side. The team is preparing for a new era following McCullum’s exit and Stokes’ retirement, making the selection process highly scrutinized by cricket enthusiasts in both countries.
The decision on who will take charge of England’s Test coaching role is expected to be made soon, with the ECB likely to announce its choice before the start of the upcoming series against Pakistan. The appointment could have significant implications for both teams and the future direction of English cricket.
