"I’m match-day strategist": Jason Gillespie unhappy with changes in PCB selection committee

Pakistan Test team head coach Jason Gillespie has revealed his role in team selection ahead of the upcoming third and final Test match against England. Jason Gillespie stated that he was not involved in player selection or the decision to rest certain players, describing himself as a "match-day strategist."

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revamped its selection committee following the team's disappointing loss in the series opener against England at Multan. The new five-member selection committee is led by former fast bowler Aaqib Javed along with Aleem Dar, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, and Hassan Cheema.

I’ll Let The Selectors Do Their Job - Jason Gillespie

In a media conference before the third Test, Jason Gillespie said that he takes responsibility for the players' on-field performance but is not involved in the selection process. Gillespie said that his focus is solely on the players, which allows the selectors to finalize the combination.

“It’s not something for me to talk about now. I’m not a selector, I’m a match-day strategist as head coach. My focus is on the players, I’ll let the selectors do their job. We just go out there and play the best possible cricket we can play. I’m getting splinters in my arse from sitting on the fence here,” Gillespie told reporters.

Pakistan ended their 11-match home losing streak with a 152-run victory over England in the second Test in Multan. The home team, led by Shan Masood, leveled the ongoing three-match series 1-1. It's worth mentioning that it was Masood's first Test win as captain after six consecutive losses in his tenure.

I’m Now Just The Coach For Matchday Strategy - Jason Gillespie

Jason Gillespie said that the Pakistan Cricket Board formed a new selection panel responsible for making decisions. The Pakistan head coach said that he prepares the players for games, distancing himself from the selection process.

“The PCB came in after that (first) Test match. It was decided that a new selection panel would come in, and they would be making decisions. I wasn’t involved in the decision-making. I’m now just the coach for matchday strategy, so I just keep out of things now and just focus on the players and getting them ready for cricket,” Gillespie stated.

Pakistan and England announced their playing XI for the Third Test

Pakistan rested key players Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi to make room for debutant Kamran Ghulam, along with spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali. Ghulam scored a century in his debut match for Pakistan. Sajid and Noman took all 20 wickets in the recent match against England.

Both England and Pakistan have announced their playing XI for the decisive Test match of the ongoing series. England has made two changes to their lineup, while Pakistan remains unchanged. The third and final match will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, starting on Thursday, October 24.

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