"Don’t think I could mentally handle it" - Jason Gillespie on Pakistan's full-time white-ball coach role after taking charge for AUS vs PAK 2024 tour
Pakistan's interim white-ball coach Jason Gillespie has denied the prospect of taking over on a full-time basis. The former Australian speedster has underlined the need to spend more time with his family and explained that dual coaching roles will prevent that.
The New South Wales-born former cricketer took reins of the Test side earlier this year. However, Gary Kirsten's sudden departure under controversial circumstances made the Pakistan Cricket Board announce Gillespie as the interim white-ball coach ahead of the Australia tour.
Speaking to the Australian media during the second ODI on Friday (November 8) in Adelaide, Gillespie claimed, as quoted by cricketpakistan.pk:
"I love coaching, but I don’t believe I can spend 11 months away from home. I also don’t think I could mentally handle it."
The 49-year-old didn't start his tenure as the national team's coach in the most auspicious manner, losing a two-Test series 2-0 against Bangladesh at home. They also suffered an innings defeat to England in the first of the three Tests, but won the next two Tests to claim the series.
Pakistan level three-match ODI series against Australia
Meanwhile, the Men in Green leveled the three-game ODI series against Australia with a nine-wicket victory at the Adelaide Oval. They ran the home side close in the opening game after managing only 203, but lost by two wickets.
Nevertheless, the second ODI saw Haris Rauf took a fifer to skittle Australia out for 163. Later, Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub stitched together a 137-run partnership to put the visitors on course, with the latter clattering 82 off 71 balls. Babar Azam finished the game off with a six. Rauf earned the Player of the Match award for his fifer.
The two sides will battle in the series-decider on November 10 in Perth. Pakistan and Australia will also play in three T20Is following the 50-over series.