Hesson orders fast tracks; Azan, Fazal emerge as leading contenders to open the innings against Sri Lanka
Pakistan have decided to put an end to their disappointing performances on lively pitches, with head coach Mike Hesson directing efforts to prepare pace-friendly surfaces for both home Test matches against Sri Lanka. Five players from the playing XI that featured in the final Test against England are now out of contention, meaning Pakistan will have to make several changes to their line-up. The team is also expected to field a new opening combination in its first home Test series of the year. Meanwhile, Babar Azam is featuring in a domestic four-day match on Hesson's advice as he looks to regain his batting form. Pakistan's performance in Test cricket in 2026 has been disappointing, with the team losing six of its seven matches. The Green-shirts suffered whitewash in two series, while another series ended in a 1-1 draw. Pakistan are currently ranked ninth among ten teams in the ICC Test rankings and occupy the bottom, ninth position in the World Test Championship standings. The team management has now begun taking steps to turn things around. Following their triumph in the tri-nation ODI series, Pakistan's next assignment is a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. The first Test will begin in Rawalpindi on November 9, while the second is scheduled to start in Lahore on November 17. Remarkably, Pakistan will be playing their first home Test of the year in November, despite having already featured in seven Tests across three overseas series. The team managed just one victory during that period, which came in the West Indies, while its overseas campaign had also begun with a defeat. Before that, Pakistan lost both Tests in Bangladesh, while England handed them a humiliating 3-0 series whitewash in the most recent series. Sources revealed that the team management has now agreed to prepare more competitive and lively pitches at home to help the side overcome its struggles on pace-friendly surfaces during overseas tours. Hesson has instructed the ground staff to prepare fast tracks for both Tests against Sri Lanka. Groundsmen are working to produce surfaces that offer greater assistance to fast bowlers. Following the three-day match against Sri Lanka, two fast bowlers from the PCB Patron's XI are expected to be added to the national squad. Mohammad Abbas and Razaullah appear certain to receive call-ups. Five players from the XI that 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, making a significant overhaul inevitable. Shan Masood scored 95 runs in the first innings of the Birmingham Test. However, the coach reportedly believes it is time to give a younger player an opportunity in place of the 37-year-old batter. The opening combination is also set for a change, with Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal currently emerging as the leading contenders to open the innings. Sources further revealed that Hesson had advised Babar Azam to feature in a domestic four-day match to regain his batting rhythm. As a result, the former Pakistan captain is currently representing his side in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The PCB's decision to make participation in domestic competitions compulsory has also ensured that star players are representing their respective departments and regions, even if some are reluctant to do so. Pakistan are currently ninth among ten teams in the ICC Test rankings, with only Zimbabwe below them. The Green-shirts also occupy ninth place, the bottom position, in the World Test Championship standings. The Pakistan Cricket Board's think tank has already begun implementing measures to improve the team's performance in the next World Test Championship cycle. Officials are hopeful that the inclusion of young players, combined with a more aggressive approach to Test cricket, will help revive Pakistan's fortunes.
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