Jason Gillespie sets fitness benchmark for Pakistan Cricket Team, says no compromise on fitness

The legendary Australian pacer Jason Gillespie has embarked on a new chapter in his cricketing journey as Pakistan’s Test head coach. Gillespie arrived in Pakistan on Sunday, July 7, with the aim of enhancing their performance in Test cricket.

In his first press conference as Pakistan’s coach, Gillespie said that he is excited to work with the Pakistan cricket team while revealing his plans for the Shan Masood-led Pakistan Test team. Reflecting on Pakistan's recent 3-0 Test series loss to Australia, Gillespie said that they have the potential but stressed the need for consistency in their performances.

I am excited to work with the Pakistan cricket team: Jason Gillespie

Acknowledging Pakistan's talent, the new head coach emphasized the need for consistency in performances, saying they were dominant for moments against formidable opponents like Australia, but their inconsistency needs to be addressed through strategic planning and team unity.

Jason Gillespie said at the press conference: “I am excited to work with the Pakistan cricket team and will also travel to Australia with Shaheens. During the last tour to Australia, Pakistan lost the series 3-0, but they played well. There were moments in the series where they were also dominating the opponents. The Pakistan cricket team is very talented, but the lack of consistency in performance is the main problem. We will see how we can bring continuity and consistency in performances.”

Addressing a critical and non-negotiable aspect of his coaching, Gillespie made it clear that there would be no compromises on fitness, stressing that international cricket demands peak physical condition from players.

I fully expect players to be fully fit to represent Pakistan: Jason Gillespie

The Aussie said that he will work closely with Shan Masood, Pakistan's Test captain, to foster a culture of positive and aggressive cricket in Pakistan. Gillespie stated: “If you're an international cricketer, you have to remain fit. Once you've reached the national level and are playing international cricket, your fitness shouldn't really be questioned.

In international cricket, everyone should know about the importance of fitness, which is the main component of a sportsman. You should be fit, robust, and strong to represent your country. That's personal pride; that's professional discipline; that's being a professional sportsman. So, I fully expect players to be fit, robust, strong, and able to represent Pakistan.”

Gillespie aims to improve Pakistan's fielding

Discussing player selection, Gillespie has affirmed that players will be selected based on performance and suitability to conditions on the test team. The Test head coach also revealed that he is in contact with Pakistan’s white-ball head coach, Gary Kirsten, for effective workload management.

With a specific focus on red-ball cricket, Gillespie has identified fielding as a potential weakness of the Pakistan team, and he would really want to improve this aspect of the game. Pakistan’s red-ball coach stressed that his focus is on red-ball cricket, and he will also travel to Australia with Shaheens and watch their players.

He revealed that there is a general opinion that Pakistan’s fielding is their weak point, so it would be his priority.