Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has told ground staff to prepare pace-friendly pitches for the home Test series against Sri Lanka, as the team plans a sharp break from recent home practice after a miserable year in the longest format.

According to a report in The Express Tribune on 4 November, Hesson has instructed curators to produce fast, lively surfaces for both Tests — in Rawalpindi from 9 to 13 November and in Lahore from 17 to 21 November. The aim is to help Pakistan's fast bowlers take 20 wickets and to prepare the side for lively pitches on away tours.

A year to forget

Pakistan have lost six of their seven Tests in 2026. Bangladesh beat them 2-0, England won 3-0, and only the West Indies series, drawn 1-1, offered any relief. The Sri Lanka series is Pakistan's first home Test assignment of the year, and both matches count towards the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.

The shake-up extends to the batting. Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal have emerged as the leading contenders for a new opening combination, while five players who featured in the final Test against England — Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Mohammad Imran and Mohammad Ali — are no longer part of the plans.

Warm-up under way

Babar Azam captains a 14-player initial squad named on 24 October, with two fast bowlers to be added after the warm-up. A PCB Patron's XI is playing Sri Lanka in a three-day warm-up at the Islamabad Club from 4 to 6 November.

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have lost opener Pathum Nissanka to a hamstring injury, with Lahiru Udara replacing him in the squad.

Sources: The Express Tribune via NajamSports, Pakistan Test revival, 4 November 2026; CricketAddictor, 4 November 2026; Feature Pakistan, 4 November 2026.