
Pakistan's newly-appointed Test coach Jason Gillespie sent a strong message to the Shan Masood-led group, emphasising on the importance of fitness. Gillespie, whose first assignment as the Test coach is Pakistan's upcoming two-match home series versus Bangladesh, stated that there would be no compromise on fitness of players and they need to value what they bring to the side. Gillespie landed in Pakistan and addressed a press conference ahead of the two-Test series versus the Bangla Tigers, which kicks off on August 21 in Rawalpindi.
Gillespie, the former Australia pacer, urged the Pakistani players to level up in terms of fitness and called it a key factor in modern-day cricket. In addition, he stated that he wants the team to play positive cricket, but not resort to England's 'bazball' approach.
"National teams are not where you still question a player's value. If there are any perceptions about a player's place, he has to change it with his performances and attitude," Gillespie told reporters. "My mantra is that we should only have fit, robust and strong players in the Test side because in modern-day cricket of any format, fitness is a must," he opined.
The former Australian speedster, who played 71 Tests, 97 ODIs and 1 T20I, further said, "To me Test cricket is always about playing it session to session and seizing the opportunity when it comes your way. Match is dictated by the opposition and conditions."
Gillespie admitted that Pakistan have plentyof talent, however, they need to bring in consistency to get results. He added, "I want Pakistan to play in authentic Pakistan style and create an identity for itself. What I know is that Pakistan has the talent to do well. It is just about honing these players to work together to get consistently good results."
Gillespie has a stern task ahead as Pakistan's red-ball coach. He takes over a team who were whitewashed in a three-match Test series versus Australia during the 2023/24 Australian summer.