Pak vs Eng 2024: Pakistan Test coach Jason Gillespie frustrated by lack of clear communication


Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has admitted “frustrations from time to time” at the reduced scope of his job, stressing the need for clear communication. Gillespie, who, along with captain Shan Masood, was recently removed from the selection panel, said his current role was “not what he took on” but he was happy to adapt.

“I think there are always frustrations from time to time,” Gillespie said in an interview with Pak Gazette. “For me, when I joined Pakistan cricket, I was told there was a long-term plan and we had to make sure our communication was spot on. I made that a real focus and therefore you can get frustrated if those things They are not made as you would like.

“It wasn’t what I signed up for, I’ll be completely honest. But this is one of those situations where you just need to go with the flow. Like I said, I’m in a different environment and things are different. You can agree or disagree.” with how things are done, but ultimately I’m here to help the Pakistan team do well, help the players improve, so I’ve put all my attention and energy into that.”

Gillespie had long-term ambitions when he took over earlier this year. In an interview with Pak Gazette, he warned against the dangers of “people on one- or two-year contracts” prioritizing self-preservation over long-term development. “If everyone takes that approach,” he said at the time, “nothing will be accomplished in the long run.”

Over the past fortnight, those fears have been manifested with almost forensic precision. After a penalty innings loss in the first Test against England, Pakistan announced a new selection panel that took the number of selectors involved with the team from 2021 to more than two dozen. Gillespie and Masood were not consulted about the team for the second Test or the type of pitch Pakistan prepared; They were formally removed from all selection duties, with Gillespie admitting his role was that of “match day strategist”.

“A lot of things have changed. Since I’ve been involved, we’re already on our third selection panel. These are the things you have to take in stride and understand that we’re in a different environment and keep up with the pace.” Flow. I ask a lot of questions and ask for clarity, which, as a head coach, I am within my rights to ask.

“But I want to make it very clear that everyone in Pakistan wants the best and there are a lot of very passionate people here. That drives me to continue helping the players, and so far it’s been a great experience working with them. I’m really excited about what we’re getting. what the future holds and as a coach.

Gillespie also acknowledged there was a learning curve in his own experiences and felt it was natural that it took time for him to settle into the PCB.

“A lot of things change in Pakistan in the blink of an eye. You just take it in your stride and understand that this is the environment you are in. I always have to remember that I am a foreigner in Pakistan and I have to respect that and that things are probably done differently to what I’m used to or what I expect in the environment I come from in Australia, so not saying one way is right or wrong or whatever, it’s just different and. You just have to adjust and adapt.”

“He has had a bad run but I don’t think there are many great players who have never had a bad run. I am very confident that Babar will again score a lot of runs for Pakistan in all formats.”

Gillespie backs Babar to make strong comeback

However, Gillespie’s relationship with the players has never been questioned. He praised captain Masood as “the epitome of calm” and said he considered looking after the players his primary role. It is a note that he has marked during his brief tenure and with which he asked former Pakistan players for help.

“I’m very protective of the players and the staff that I work with and I just want to make sure that the environment that we’re trying to create is a safe space for everyone and if that erodes, it can lead to frustration.

“A lot of former players have their own space on social media, YouTube, whatever, and they get paid to have an opinion. One thing I’ve noticed here is that players notice everything and if they get positive comments from former players, players they idolized when they were kids, that helps a lot when they get some positive reinforcement, but it can also have the opposite effect if there’s a lot of criticism from those former players.”

Pakistan is currently in the midst of its busiest Test season this century. The current test is the fifth of the season, which will be followed by four more. Former captain Babar Azam’s involvement, or lack thereof, remains a point of contention, and while Gillespie noted he had no say in whether he would return, he backed what he called “one of the best players in the world.”

“What I will say is that Babar is a good player. He has had a bad run, but I don’t think there are many great players who have never had a bad run. I have a lot of confidence that Babar will come back.” Scoring a lot of runs for Pakistan in all formats. He is a very good player, he works very hard on his game and is very precise in his preparation. I hope he will play a very important role in the future for Pakistan. “.

Danyal Rasool is Pakistan correspondent for Pak Gazette. @danny61000

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *