Pakistan Test team's head coach Jason Gillespie has recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of clear communication within PCB amidst Rawalpindi showdown against England. He revealed that the PCB had initially presented a long-term plan to him, but this plan was quickly abandoned after a series of setbacks, leading to a chaotic situation within the organisation.
Recent developments within the Pakistan Cricket Board have led to big in the coaching staff. Jason Gillespie, the red-ball head coach, was removed from the selection committee along with captain Shan Masood. This decision came after Aleem Dar, Aaqib Javed, and Azhar Ali were appointed to the selection panel.
This change effectively stripped Gillespie of crucial power, as he was not consulted regarding the squad selection for the second and third Tests or the pitch preparation for the matches. Clearly disappointed by this development, Gillespie described his new role as a "match-day strategist."
In an interview with Sky Sports, Gillespie acknowledged the unexpected turn of events and expressed his willingness to adapt to the unique circumstances of Pakistan cricket.
'When I came on board with Pakistan cricket, I was told....': Jason Gillespie
"I think there's always frustrations from time to time. For me, when I came on board with Pakistan cricket, I was told there was a long-term plan, and we need to make sure our communication's spot on. I made that a real focus and so you can get frustrated if those things aren't done how you would like," Gillespie said.
"It wasn't what I signed up for, I'll be completely honest. But this is one of those situations in which you just need to go with the flow. As I said, I'm in a different environment and things are done differently. One can agree or disagree with how things are done, but ultimately I'm here to help the Pakistan team do well, help the players get better, improve. So I've put all my focus and energy into that," he further added.
Jason Gillespie also pointed out the frequent changes within the PCB selection committee. However, he acknowledged that he must adapt to these changes, as the cricketing environment in Pakistan is quite different from what he is accustomed to.
"A lot's changed. Since I've been involved, we're already on our third selection panel. These are the things you just got to take it all in your stride and understand that we're in a different environment and go with the flow. I ask a lot of questions and ask for clarity, which as head coach I'm well within my rights to ask.
"But I want to make it really clear that everyone in Pakistan wants what's best and there's a lot of very passionate people here. That's driving me to continue to help the players, and it's been a great experience so far working with them. I really excited about what the future holds and as a coach," Pakistan's coach stated
Australia pace legend also emphasised his foreign status in Pakistan, acknowledging that the country's cricketing system operates differently from what he is used to
"Lots of things change in Pakistan at the drop of a hat. You just sort of take that in your stride and understand that this is the environment you're in. I've got to always remember that I'm a foreigner in Pakistan and I've got to respect that and that things are probably done differently to what I'm used to or what I expect in the environment I've come from in Australia. So not saying one way is the right way or the wrong way or whatever, it's just different and you just have to adjust and adapt," the 49-year-old concluded.
Pakistan reeling at 73/3 in reply to England's 267
The third Test match between Pakistan and England is currently underway at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. With the series tied at 1-1, England won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite losing half their side for just 98 runs, England managed to post a respectable total of 267 runs, thanks to a brilliant innings from wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith. Smith scored a magnificent 89 runs against the Pakistani spinners on a spin-friendly pitch.
In response, Pakistan's batting got off to a poor start, with openers Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub failing to make significant contributions. Kamran Ghulam also departed early, leaving Pakistan struggling at 73/3 at the end of the first day's play.
