It’s quite unusual for a Test team’s head coach to say he cannot disclose the playing XI, but that was the reality during Jason Gillespie’s press conference on the eve of the third and crucial Test between Pakistan and England in Rawalpindi. Gillespie, who took over as Pakistan’s Test head coach in April this year, has seen his authority significantly diminished following Pakistan’s disappointing defeat to England by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test held in Multan.
This loss triggered significant shifts in the power structure at the Pakistan Cricket Board, with newly appointed selection committee members—Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali, and Aaqib Javed—now authorized to make all critical decisions aimed at steering the team toward victory. Initially, these three were part of a panel that included Pakistan’s Test captain and head coach as voting members. However, just a week later, it was revealed that both Shan Masood and Gillespie had been completely removed from the committee.
Despite these changes, it seems they have had a positive effect, as Pakistan achieved their first home Test victory in nearly four years. This win was also their first Test triumph since Gillespie took the helm.
“The PCB implemented changes following that Test match, deciding that a new selection panel would take charge and make the decisions,” Gillespie explained when questioned about the lively discussions between the selection committee and team management regarding the pitch at Multan Cricket Stadium before the second Test.
“I was not part of the decision-making process. My role revolves around matchday strategy. I now stay out of those discussions and concentrate on preparing the players for cricket.”
When asked how he felt about the new dynamics within the team, Gillespie stated, “It’s not my place to comment on that now. I am not a selector; I focus on matchday strategies. As a head coach, my priority is the players. I will leave the selectors to perform their role, and we will do our best to play excellent cricket. I feel like I’m sitting on the fence here.”
The team was later announced through a WhatsApp group by the PCB.
During Wednesday’s training session, the Pakistan selectors spent considerable time assessing the pitch for the third Test, often engaging in discussions with the players. In contrast, Gillespie arrived at the pitch at the session’s start and mostly moved between the side nets and the square, conversing with his assistant coaches and players.
One critical aspect Gillespie likely addressed with the batters was how to take charge against England’s spinners at Rawalpindi, where the dimensions favor aggressive batting and spinners have struggled to keep runs down.
Also Read: Rawalpindi Test: Pakistan’s Final Eleven Announced, What Changes Were Made?
“We’ve talked about maximizing our batting capabilities and putting England under pressure,” Gillespie noted, referring to the inexperience of Rehan Ahmed and Shoaib Bashir. “It’s crucial since England will heavily depend on spin in this Test. We’re likely to adopt a similar approach. While they may lack extensive experience, they are skilled bowlers and deserve respect. I often say, ‘ignore youth at your peril’—if you’re talented enough, your age doesn’t matter.”
Pakistan batted first and posted 366 runs on a used pitch in Multan. This proved advantageous, as they led England by 75 runs going into the second innings, allowing them to set a target of 296 runs.
“Experience holds significant value, and that’s indisputable,” he continued. “However, there’s no reason why players without 100 Test matches can’t make an impact. We must respect their abilities, and England also has young spinners at the beginning of their careers, along with Jack Leach, who is far more seasoned.”
“They have solid options, and we must ensure we perform at our best. Our batters are clear about their plans, and with all the discussions they’ve had, we just need to play each ball on its merit. Hopefully, we can put pressure on the England bowlers and set impressive totals in this Test match.”
