Mike Hesson Hints At Usman Tariq’s Test Selection Ahead of Edgbaston Clash

Mike Hesson and Usman Tariq - (Source: AFP)Amid the off-field turmoil, Pakistan have shifted their focus to the 3rd and final Test set to begin on September 9 at Edgbaston. Mike Hesson will be in charge of his 1st-ever match as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach.Mike Hesson has been given very little time to turn things around. Recently, he opened up about the challenges and stated that he was not part of the selection committee. So, going into the 3rd Test, Mike will coach players he probably wouldn’t want in the team going forward.Pakistan Set To Undergo Massive ChangesImam-ul-Haq’s injury has triggered a domino effect, leading to seven players getting sent back home, Sarfaraz Ahmed getting sacked as the head coach, and Misbah-ul-Haq resigning as Pakistan selector. In less than two weeks, the PCB has undergone a massive overhaul, and they are all set to enter a new phase under Mike Hesson’s coaching in Test cricket. Following the England series, Pakistan’s side is certain to undergo several changes. The axe is hanging over the heads of several players, and it seems no player other than skipper Babar Azam has his place secured in the Test set-up. Mike Hesson Hints At Usman Tariq’s Test Call-upIn the latest events, Hesson spoke to the press, where he dropped a massive hint on the changes he would make to Pakistan’s Test set-up. Hesson pointed out the missing link in Pakistan’s playing XI and stated that the Babar Azam-led side lack variation."From my perspective, it's about putting a balanced squad together, not only for this Test, so we actually have some variety in our attack. Pakistan is known for pace, unusual actions, and mystery spin; we haven't really been able to present any of that," Hesson remarked.Interestingly, Hesson pointed that Pakistan doesn't have mystery spinners and unique action in Test cricket, which could hint at a potential call-up for Usman Tariq.Also Read: Mike Hesson Blasts English Media; Reveals Why Salman Ali Agha Didn't Meet King CharlesNotably, Usman Tariq made his Pakistan debut under Mike Hesson’s tenure, and the coach is highly impressed by the 31-year-old. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise if Tariq makes it to the Pakistan squad in the next Test series.Usman Tariq’s First-Class StatsInterestingly, Usman Tariq has played just 2 First-Class matches in his career. He has 8 wickets in three innings, which includes a five-wicket haul. He lacks experience. However, there have been instances when players have been picked up in red-ball cricket based on white-ball performances. Usman Tariq has mystery, and he is a hard bowler to be read. He has a unique start-stop action where he takes a pause in between and produces variations, which is the most lethal part. Hence, he can be a match-winner in Test cricket.The 31-year-old is currently playing in the CPL 2026, where he has already picked up 9 wickets in 8 innings.Notable Names Who Might Return To Pakistan Test Set-upMike Hesson has openly expressed his admiration for Salman Ali Agha. The current management put him out of scheme of things but it seems Hesson will heavily rely on Agha in Test cricket. "I think Salman Ali Agha has been one of the best players for the last couple of years. He's had probably three poor Tests, but he's a fine player. And I think he's obviously disappointed to not be involved. The other two were removed before I was involved," Hesson remarked.Also, Abrar Ahmed can make his return as well. He played his last Test in January 2025.Also Read: PCB’s PSL 2027 Schedule Window Shift Triggers Fresh IPL Fear