Pakistan’s Test coach, Jason Gillespie, emphasized the importance of fitness for the team before their two-match series against Bangladesh in August. After being eliminated in the group stage of the recent T20 World Cup 2024, Pakistan faced strong criticism from former cricketers and some fans. The team’s fielding and inconsistency were major areas of criticism. Additionally, the fitness levels of the players also came under scrutiny.
A number of fans from different sections, in addition to noted Pakistan cricketers including Wasim Akram and Kamran Akmal among others, have criticized the fitness of the team’s members.
According to Geo News, Gillespie plans to increase the team’s fitness level. “On the international cricket arena, you need to fit, that’s it. The vital importance of fitness should be clear to every person in international cricket. It is what makes a sportsman a sportsman,” he said. Shan Masood would be expected to lead the side in the two-match Test series, with Babar Azam replacing Shaheen Afridi as the white ball captain.”
Gillespie made known that he has spoken to the Test captain and that he has to have a chat with all members of the team as well in order not for the ambiguity of their playing style remain on their heads. “I have had a chance to discuss with one player like Shan Masood twice one or two times and so I believe we should play [positively]. I have to sit down with everyone else so that we can establish what sort of game plan we want, then consider whom we shall pick in relation to our opponents and circumstances,” he said.
“If a player is important for the squad, he will certainly be picked, I’m in touch with Gary Kirsten for managing workload of the players,” he noted.” The ex- Australian bowler has revealed how he talked about red ball cricket with his former coaches as part of plans to improve the side.
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host Pakistan’s Test series against Bangladesh from August 21. The next Test will be at National Stadium Karachi on August 30.
