Jason Gillespie, the newly appointed Test coach for Pakistan, has placed a strong emphasis on the importance of fitness within the team as they gear up for their upcoming two-match red-ball series against Bangladesh in August. This focus follows Pakistan's disappointing early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024, which sparked criticism from former players such as Wasim Akram and Kamran Akmal, as well as fans. Issues surrounding the team's fitness, fielding, and consistency were particularly highlighted.
Gillespie has stressed that fitness is a crucial aspect of international cricket and is non-negotiable for professional athletes. He has made it clear that improving fitness levels will be a top priority in order to enhance the team's overall performance on the field.
With Babar Azam returning as the white-ball captain, Shan Masood is expected to lead the Test team. Gillespie has been in talks with Masood and plans to consult with the players to determine the style of cricket they wish to play. His aim is to select the team based on the opposition and conditions, ensuring that the best players are chosen for the task.
Gillespie is working in conjunction with Gary Kirsten, the white-ball coach, to effectively manage the players' workloads. He has also sought advice from former coaches Jeff Lawson and Shaun Tait to gain a better understanding of the team dynamics and areas that need improvement.
Gillespie's main focus will be on red-ball cricket, with plans to travel to Australia to observe players and gather valuable insights. The Test series against Bangladesh is set to kick off on August 21 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the second Test scheduled for August 30 at the National Stadium Karachi.
The firm stance on fitness and strategic planning signals a new era for Pakistan's Test team under Gillespie's leadership. The goal is to address previous criticisms and work towards improving future performances on the field.