No compromise on fitness, says Gillespie

KARACHI: Pakistan's new red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie said on Sunday that there would be no compromise fitness.

During his first presser at National Bank Stadium here, he talked about his plans and strategies that he believes are critical to bringing consistency in the performances. Gillespie, who brings a wealth of coaching experience, having worked with top domestic teams like Yorkshire and South Australia, said he is excited to work with Pakistan. He will travel to Australia with Pakistan Shaheens.

“Pakistan is a very talented side, but the lack of consistency is the main problem. How can they be more consistent is one thing that I am hoping I can find some solutions for," Gillespie said.

He hoped Pakistan can improve on their fifth position in the current World Test Championship cycle, competed by nine teams since 2019. "Ultimately we want to win games of Test cricket," said Gillespie.

"There are skillful cricketers here, how can we play as a team and perform well against good quality international oppositions and that´s going to be the key for us." He said there will be no compromise on fitness. "In international cricket, you must remain fit. So everyone should know about the importance of fitness. It is the main component of a sportsman," the former Australian pacer said.

About his conversation with Pakistan's Test skipper Shan Masood, Gillespie added: “I have talked to Shan at least twice, and I also hope we will play positive cricket. I will discuss what brand of cricket they [the players] want to play. The selection will be done considering the strength of the opposition and the conditions."

Besides revealing that he is in contact with the white-ball coach Gary Kirsten, he said that he is ready to take all the strides to improve the team as well as its fielding standards. “My focus is red-ball cricket. I will also travel to Australia with Shaheens and watch the players. I have talked with Jeff Lawson and the Greenshirts' former bowling coach Shaun Tait on Pakistan cricket," he said.

"As an observer from outside, I think there were some moments in games where Pakistan were on top but could not finish well," Gillespie reflected. Pakistan squandered good positions in the second Test in Melbourne and the third in Sydney through crucial dropped catches, leaving them tagged as a poor fielding side.

He said Pakistan needed to be smart to counter what he termed England´s "very aggressive" style of playing Tests, dubbed as "Bazball" after their coach Brendon McCullum´s nickname.