Pakistan’s recent Test victory over England in the second Test was a testament to the team’s resilience and adaptability. However, head coach Jason Gillespie downplayed his role in the triumph, emphasizing that the decisions made after the first Test defeat were largely out of his hands.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed a new selection committee, including former umpire Aleem Dar and Aaqib Javed, and excluded Gillespie and captain Shan Masood from the selection process. Gillespie acknowledged that he was now solely responsible for match-day strategy and player preparation.
This shift in responsibilities contrasts with Gillespie’s initial mandate when he took over the role earlier this year. He had previously expressed a desire to make long-term decisions for the team’s development. However, the decision to field a spin-heavy attack and prepare a surface to assist them appears to contradict his earlier stance against short-termism.
Gillespie declined to comment on the team’s composition, stating that he was no longer involved in the selection process. He acknowledged the unusual nature of his situation, but emphasized his focus on protecting the players from external noise and fostering a positive environment.
Despite the limited scope of his current role, Gillespie praised the players’ resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure. He highlighted the team’s ability to recover from early setbacks and the collapse triggered by Sajid Khan’s bowling on Day 2.
Gillespie emphasized the importance of communication and collaboration within the support staff. He expressed pride in the relationships built with the players and the team’s ability to stay focused on the controllable aspects of the game.
