The legendary Australian pacemaker Jason Gillespie Gillespie has begun a new chapter in his career as Pakistan’s head cricket coach. Gillespie arrived in Pakistan on Sunday 7 July with the aim of improving his form in Test cricket.
Speaking at his first press conference as Pakistan coach, Gillespie said he is excited to work with the Pakistan cricket team as he revealed his plans for the Shan Masood-led side. Pakistan Test squad. Reflecting on Pakistan’s recent 3-0 loss to Australia in the Test series, Gillespie said they have potential but stressed the need for their performances to be consistent.
I am excited to be working with the Pakistan cricket team: Jason Gillespie
Acknowledging Pakistan’s talent, the new head coach stressed the need for consistency in performances, saying they were dominant at times against formidable opponents like Australia but their inconsistency needs to be addressed through strategic planning and team unity.
As reported by Geo News, Jason Gillespie said at the press conference: “I am excited to work with the Pakistan cricket team and will also be travelling to Australia with Shaheens. During the last tour of Australia, Pakistan lost the series 3-0 but played well. There were times in the series when they dominated their opponents as well. The Pakistan cricket team is very talented but lack of consistency in performances is the main problem. We will see how we can bring continuity and consistency in performances.”
Addressing a critical and non-negotiable aspect of his training, Gillespie made it clear that there would be no compromise on fitness, emphasising that international cricket demands optimum fitness from players.
I fully expect the players to be in top form to represent Pakistan: Jason Gillespie
The Australian said he will work closely with Shan Masoodcaptain of Pakistan, to foster a positive and aggressive cricket culture in Pakistan. Gillespie said: “If you are an international cricketer, you must keep yourself fit. Once you have reached the national level and are playing international cricket, your fitness should not be in doubt.
In international cricket, everyone should know the importance of fitness, which is the main component of a sportsperson. “You have to be fit, strong and robust to represent your country. That is personal pride, that is professional discipline, that is being a professional sportsperson. So, I fully expect the players to be fit, robust, strong and capable of representing Pakistan.”
Gillespie aims to improve Pakistan’s quality of play
Speaking about the player selection, Gillespie stated that the players will be selected based on performance and suitability for the Test team conditions. The Test head coach also revealed that he is in touch with Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten to effectively manage the workload.
With a specific focus on red-ball cricket, Gillespie has identified fielding as a potential weakness of the Pakistan team, and he would really like to improve this aspect of the game. The Pakistan red-ball coach stressed that his focus is on red-ball cricket, and he will also travel to Australia with Shaheens and observe his players.
He revealed that there is a general opinion that Pakistan’s fielding game is their weak point, so that would be their priority.
