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Australia legendary pacer Jason Gillespie opened up on the Pakistan Cricket team's main issue after joining the board as the new Test coach for Men in Green ahead of the Test series against Bangladesh. He also acknowledged Pakistan's Test series 3-0 Test series loss against Australia during their last tour under Shan Masood's leadership.
Pakistan cricket team are currently involved in a training camp for red-ball cricket at Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi. The cricket board hosted this session considering Pakistan's packed schedule in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
"I am excited to work with the Pakistan cricket team and will also travel to Australia with the Shaheens," Gillespie remarked in his first press conference.
He acknowledged Pakistan's 3-0 series loss in Australia during their last tour but noted that there were moments when Pakistan dominated their opponents.
Gillespie highlighted the team's talent but identified inconsistency in performances as a major issue.
"The Pakistan cricket team is very talented, but the lack of consistency in performances is the main problem. We will see how we can bring continuity and consistency in performances," he said.
Gillespie stressed that there would be no compromise on player fitness, stating that fitness is non-negotiable in international cricket. "In international cricket, you have to remain fit; there are no excuses for fitness," he added.
He mentioned his conversations with Shan Masood, Pakistan’s red-ball captain, and expressed hope for playing positive cricket.
Gillespie plans to discuss with the players the style of cricket they want to play and will select the team based on the opposition and conditions.
"If a player is good for the team, he will definitely be selected. I’m in contact with Gary Kirsten [Pakistan’s white-ball coach] for players’ workload management," Gillespie noted.
After the flop show in the T20 World Cup 2024, Men in Green will play nine Test matches for the 2024-25 season of the World Test Championship. These Tests include home series against Bangladesh and England in August and October, respectively. They will also play away matches in South Africa in December/January and later will play two Tests at home against West Indies in January 2025.
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