‘If you heard full interview’: Umar Gul hits back at Jason Gillespie over cold weather comments

Former Pakistan assistant coach Umar Gul has defended his comments about the cold weather conditions after Pakistan’s heavy defeat against England during the first Test at Headingley. Gul responded on his social media account after ex-head coach Jason Gillespie mocked his post-match assessment.

Pakistan made major changes following back-to-back defeats at Headingley and Lord’s in the three-match series. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released seven players from the squad and removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and Gul ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston, starting on September 9.

Jason Gillespie Mocks Umar Gul’s Weather Remarks on Podcast

Jason Gillespie criticized Umar Gul’s comments about the cold weather after Pakistan’s heavy defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley. Speaking on the Fast Bowling Cartel podcast with Damien Fleming and Glenn McGrath, Gillespie called Gul’s explanation ridiculous.

“Give me a spell, Umar. Not surprised you’re not bowling coach anymore, champ. How ridiculous is that?” Gillespie said amid laughter from Fleming and McGrath.

Pakistan lost the Headingley Test by an innings and 103 runs. They failed to score 200 in either innings. England’s pace attack repeatedly troubled the Pakistan batters, while the visitors’ bowlers struggled to contain the hosts.

Umar Gul Defends His Comments on Social Media

Umar Gul rejected the suggestion that he had blamed the weather for Pakistan’s defeat. Gul stated that he was referring to the cold conditions that affected the bowlers’ ability to execute their plans.

“I wasn’t making excuses for the weather. If you heard the full interview, I clearly mentioned that the conditions were cold and I felt our bowlers looked a bit stiff, which affected their ability to execute their bowling plans properly.”

Gul also said that he expected the fast bowlers to adjust to the conditions before the second Test at Lord’s. He felt they improved their performance despite Pakistan eventually suffering another heavy defeat.

“I’m sure they’ll acclimatise to the conditions before the Lord’s Test and perform much better. And if you watched the match closely, our bowlers actually did a good job in the conditions,” he said.

PCB Makes Major Changes Ahead of Edgbaston Test

Pakistan’s heavy defeats in the first two Tests triggered a major shake-up before the final match. The PCB released seven players from the touring squad and removed Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul from the coaching staff. The board also launched an internal inquiry into discipline and conduct during the tour.

Senior names such as Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Imam-ul-Haq were among the players sent back home. Imam also faced scrutiny after accusations that he had faked an injury during the Lord’s Test.

The changes have left Mike Hesson and Babar Azam with a difficult task ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston. Pakistan have brought in several inexperienced players at short notice and must quickly regroup against an England side that has won both Tests comfortably.

England have also dominated with the ball, restricting Pakistan to below 200 in all four innings of the series. The hosts will now look to complete a 3-0 sweep during the third and final Test.