Hesson backs fresh talent as Pakistan look to build depth in Test squad

RAWALPINDI, Nov 08 (APP):Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has expressed confidence in the abilities of six newly included players in the Test squad, saying their inclusion is part of a broader strategy to develop depth and create more options for the national team over the next year. Speaking to PCB Digital, Hesson highlighted the strengths of the emerging players, praising their domestic performances, technical abilities and potential to make an impact in Test cricket. Among the batting additions, Hesson described Muhammad Tayyab Arif as an exciting top-order prospect from Sialkot, who impressed in the President's Trophy Grade-I, scoring three centuries. He praised the youngster's sound technique, attacking approach and fielding abilities. 'Tayyab had a very good departmental tournament, scoring three hundreds. He is a free-flowing player with sound technique and is an exciting prospect who moves well in the field,' Hesson said. Speaking about Mohammad Taha, the head coach said the Karachi-based top-order batter had consistently performed well in domestic cricket over the past two to three years and deserved the opportunity to be part of the national squad. He added that Taha also impressed during the warm-up match against Sri Lanka, particularly in his ability to handle the visiting side's bowling attack. Hesson also spoke highly of young Samir Minhas, describing him as an exciting talent who had recently graduated from Under-19 cricket and was continuing to develop his game. 'Samir is an exciting talent. He can bat anywhere in the top order. Although he is predominantly an opener, he has also batted at number three and four, which provides us with good cover,' he said. On Mohammad Suleiman, Hesson said the right-handed batter was an accomplished player of spin bowling who could strengthen the middle order, with the ability to bat anywhere between number three and six. 'He is an excellent player of spin, sweeps well and has very sound decision-making. He is also a little more experienced than some of the other players,' the head coach added. Turning his attention to the bowling additions, Hesson said the selection of Saqib Khan and Ali Shabir was aimed at providing the team with different bowling options and strengthening its resources for the longer format. He described Saqib as an experienced domestic performer who had yet to be exposed to international cricket but possessed the qualities required for Test cricket. According to Hesson, Saqib can swing the new ball, maintain his energy and deliver effective second and third spells, making him a valuable option in the red-ball format. Hesson also praised Ali Shabir for his express pace and distinctive bowling action, saying he could trouble batters with short-pitched deliveries while also attacking the stumps. 'Ali Shabir is similar to Raza Ullah in terms of his pace. He has a slingy action, can bowl short and sharp, attack the stumps and deliver good bouncers. He will bring real energy to the group,' he said. Explaining the thinking behind the inclusion of the six players, Hesson said Pakistan needed to expand their pool of Test cricketers rather than repeatedly relying on the same players. He stressed that the objective was to identify and prepare alternative options who could strengthen the national side in the coming year. 'We need to know that in a year's time we have other options within our Test squad. We cannot keep providing the same opportunities to the same players,' Hesson said. He added that the new entrants would benefit from being part of the national setup, whether they got an opportunity to play or remained with the squad as reserves. Those selected in the playing XI would gain valuable experience of international Test cricket, while the others would have the opportunity to learn from experienced players, understand the demands of the format and prepare themselves for future assignments. Hesson said the inclusion of these players would also encourage competition, with other performers continuing to push for selection through their performances in domestic cricket. The head coach expressed optimism that the new additions would provide Pakistan with greater depth and flexibility, helping the team build a stronger pool of players for the next phase of its Test cricket programme.