Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson in running for Pakistan job

Former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson is reportedly being considered for the vacant Pakistan head coach job.

According to stuff.co.nz, Hesson, 44 who coached the Black Caps for six years, including their 2015 World Cup run in Australia, is being scouted for the post previously held by Mickey Arthur.

It is understood the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has already approached Hesson, the website reported.

Hesson had stepped down in June last year, replaced by Gary Stead as the head coach for New Zealand.

In a post on Twitter, Hesson said he had parted ways with Indian Premier League franchise Kings XI Punjab after one season at the helm.

A day earlier, the PCB announced it had decided not to renew Arthur’s contract, which expired after last month’s World Cup in England.

Reports say Arthur has been shortlisted as the next England coach after Trevor Bayliss departs following the ongoing Ashes Test series.

Arthur joined Pakistan in May 2016, leading them to a drawn Test series with England that lifted them to the top of the rankings.

Pakistan also won the Champions Trophy in England in June 2017, raising their stock in limited-overs cricket.

However, Pakistan has wilted in Tests in the last two years, losing 2-0 to Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirates in 2017. In all, Pakistan won 10 out of 28 Tests under Arthur, losing 17 and drawing one.

Pakistan have also struggled in ODIs in the last two years. Under Arthur, Pakistan won 29 of 66 ODIs, losing 34 with three no-results.