Hesson says he was caught off guard by squad reshuffle by PCB

"Things have obviously happened very quickly. I was actually just in Japan preparing for the Asian Games. I was back in Lahore and then, as I've said, I was brought over here relatively quickly because changes were going to take place.

"Hesson said he was not involved in the decisions that led to several players being sent home and had not been part of the selection process for the Test tour. Among those released was Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan's T20I captain under Hesson and a player with whom the New Zealander has a close relationship.

"I don't know the details of why they've been removed. I've read what you guys have read, I've heard those things," Hesson said. "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. "Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq were also among the players who had already left the squad when Hesson took charge.

The coach said his immediate task was to assemble a balanced team capable of competing in English conditions, particularly by strengthening the bowling attack. Hesson also defended the decision to leave out spinner Ali Usman, despite his impressive performances on the tour.

Usman took five wickets in a warm-up match and another five-wicket haul in the first Test in Leeds, becoming the first visiting spinner since 1972 to achieve the feat. But Hesson said the conditions in England made it difficult to accommodate a finger-spinner who could not contribute with the bat.

"Ali Usman is a quality bowler," Hesson said. "But you've seen the conditions over here in the UK. The ability to play a finger-spinner in a playing XI in England at this time of year, who doesn't bat, is unlikely.

"He added that Usman could remain in contention for future matches in more spin-friendly conditions. Pakistan have lost the first two Tests and are seeking to avoid a 3-0 series whitewash against England.

Hesson said the team would concentrate on what it could control ahead of the third Test, with several new players expected to bring fresh energy to the squad. "We worry about things we can actually control and we prepare as well as we can," he said.

However, Hesson acknowledged that the sudden changes had been difficult for the players involved, particularly those who were sent home. "It was a really difficult situation for everybody, for those coming in, those leaving," he said.

"I don't think anyone wants these sorts of things to happen in the middle of a series, clearly not. "The coach declined to dwell on the circumstances surrounding the changes, saying his priority was preparing Pakistan for the third Test.

"My focus is very much on where to from here," Hesson said. "I'm pretty much focused on what lies ahead. "