Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has decided to introduce major changes to the Test team, including a new opening combination and pace-friendly home pitches, following the side’s disappointing performances in 2026.
Pakistan will host Sri Lanka for a two-match Test series, with the first match scheduled to begin in Rawalpindi on November 9 and the second in Lahore on November 17.
The series will mark Pakistan’s first home Test assignment of the year, despite the team having already played seven matches across three overseas series.
Pakistan has struggled in Test cricket this year, losing six of its seven matches. The team suffered a 2-0 whitewash against Bangladesh and a 3-0 defeat against England, while its series against the West Indies ended in a 1-1 draw. Its only victory came against the West Indies.
Following these disappointing results, the team management has decided to change its approach to home Test cricket.
According to reports, Hesson has instructed ground staff to prepare pace-friendly surfaces for both matches against Sri Lanka. The move is aimed at helping Pakistan improve its performances on lively pitches, particularly during overseas tours.
Ground staff are now working to prepare surfaces that offer greater assistance to fast bowlers.
The team management is also planning significant changes to the playing XI. Five players who featured in the final Test against England, including Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Mohammad Imran and Mohammad Ali, are no longer part of the team’s plans.
Masood scored 95 runs in the first innings of the Birmingham Test, but Hesson reportedly believes it is time to give a younger player an opportunity in place of the 37-year-old batter.
Pakistan is also expected to introduce a new opening combination, with Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal emerging as the leading contenders.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Abbas and Razaullah are expected to join the national squad following the three-day match against Sri Lanka. Both fast bowlers are currently part of the PCB Patron’s XI and are considered strong candidates for selection.
In another development, Hesson has advised Babar Azam to participate in domestic four-day cricket to regain his batting form. The former Pakistan captain is currently playing in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy following the coach’s advice.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also made participation in domestic competitions compulsory, requiring leading players to represent their respective departments and regions despite reported reluctance from some players.
Pakistan currently occupies ninth place among ten teams in the ICC Test rankings, with only Zimbabwe below it. It also sits at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.
With the team looking to recover from its poor performances, the PCB’s think tank has already started implementing measures for the next World Test Championship cycle.
Officials are hopeful that introducing younger players and adopting a more aggressive approach to Test cricket will help Pakistan improve its results.
The upcoming Sri Lanka series will be Pakistan’s next assignment following its triumph in the tri-nation ODI series.
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