The newly-appointed head coach of the Pakistan Men’s Test team, Jason Gillespie, said Monday that he would not impose Australia’s style of play and instead wants the players to play the style of cricket that suits them.
Gillespie appeared in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) podcast and talked about various aspects, linked to his appointment as the Pakistan Test coach.
Jason Gillespie was asked whether he would transfer Australia’s aggressive style of playing cricket to the Pakistan side, said his philosophy is different; that is not to try something you are not.
“Look, 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,” said Gillespie.
“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.
“If we can be as consistent as we can, then hopefully, the scoreboard will look after itself, and we can pick up some wins.”
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For the unversed, Jason Gillespie’s first assignment as the Pakistan Test team’s head coach will be the home series against Bangladesh in August, followed by the England series in October and an away series against South Africa in December.
Pakistan currently sit fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings and need to make hard yards to make it to the final.
“Obviously, the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 for Pakistan is going to be a challenge; there’s no question about that. But, we’ll just take each series as it comes.
“The first opportunity that I’ll be involved in will be against Bangladesh at home, and I am looking forward to it. We’ll just take each series and each Test match as it comes.
“Look, Test cricket is a challenge, there’s no doubt about that. But if you prepare well, put your best foot forward, then we’ll give ourselves the best chance to have some success.”
READ: Kirsten, Gillespie open up after being appointed as Pakistan coaches