‘Don't try to do something that you're not: Test coach Jason Gillespie shares first message to Pakistan team

Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie was named as the head coach of Pakistan’s Test side on April 28. He was signed with Pakistan over a two-year contract. After his appointment, Gillespie shared his philosophy with Pakistani players. He urged the team to maintain their natural style of play in the longer format which suited them the most. He also encouraged the team to remain positive, aggressive, entertaining and play with a smile to entertain our fans.

Gillespie's first assignment as Pakistan’s Test coach will be the two-Test series against Bangladesh in August. Currently, Pakistan stand in fifth place in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. This is Gillespie's first chance to coach an international team. 49-year-old Gillespie previously coached Yorkshire to the County Championship title in 2014. He also had T20 coaching roles with Punjab Kings (formerly known as Kings XI) and Adelaide Strikers. 

‘Jason Gillespie wants Pakistan team to play natural game’

"I simply want the Pakistan cricket team to play the style of cricket that's going to suit them; for me, that's important. My philosophy is - don't try to be something that you're not!" Gillespie was quoted as saying in a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) podcast.

"You've got to be authentic in how you go about it. I will go out there and say: just be positive, aggressive, entertaining. Play with a smile on your faces and entertain our fans. There are going to be times when you have to grind it out, and that's what Test cricket is. It's a test of your skills, mental capacity, and patience. There are times to attack and times to soak up some periods of cricket from the opposition," Gillespie added.

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I know they are very gifted and skilful players: Gillespie 

The former Australian fast-bowler Gillespie played 71 Tests and 97 ODIs and claimed 259 and 142 wickets respectively. He added that Pakistan boast of skilful players but they need to work on consistency.

"If we can be as consistent as we can, then hopefully, the scoreboard will look after itself, and we can pick up some wins. Watching Pakistan play from afar, I know they are very gifted and skillful players. I see talented and exciting players from a batting point of view. A lot of them are very good stroke-makers, very technically proficient players,” he further added.

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Gillespie went on to say that he is also looking forward to being part of the selection committee.

"It all comes down to clarity and communication. I’m looking forward to working with everyone on the selection panel as well as the captain. I feel good and will forge a strong bond, strong relationship, and go from there. But again, communication and clarity of thought are key,” Gillespie concluded. 

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