"Got to come from the players" - Jason Gillespie keen to establish Pakistan's own style of cricket ahead of his tenure as Test coach
Pakistan's Test coach Jason Gillespie wants the players to come up with their own style of cricket ahead of beginning his tenure. The former Australian speedster stated that his job is to help players show the direction on how that method can be deployed well.
Gillespie will start his tenure with the two-Test series against Bangladesh, beginning on August 21 in Rawalpindi. The 49-year-old has a busy season ahead, with England visiting for three Tests in October, followed by the series against South Africa and West Indies.
Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, Gillespie said he doesn't want to impose his style of cricket on the players and wants an approach that the fans will relish watching. He explained:
"I want both the Pakistan public and the media to be able to watch us play and go. Yes, this is the style of cricket Pakistan are playing.' The simple example is England. No one's left in any doubt how England will play. Everyone's pretty clear how Australia go about their work. That's all I'm looking for from our team. I think it's really important that, as a coach, I don't just come in and say, 'This is how we are going to play'."
"It's got to come from the players. My role is to support that and how I can help us go about that in the best and most effective way."
The Sydney-born former cricketer hasn't coached an international side, but had a successful stint with Yorkshire, leading them to successive first-division titles in 2014 and 2015. He was also associated with the Adelaide Strikers and state team South Australia.
"These are honest and difficult conversations" - Jason Gillespie on PCB denying NOC for overseas leagues to players
With PCB recently denying NOC to the all-format players to keep them fit for international cricket, Gillespie suggested that he agrees with the board's decision. He elaborated:
"Players are centrally contracted and getting compensated really well. We have the right to be able to say, 'Look, in this situation, we need you to rest or have some downtime to give your body and mind a break, be ready for the next challenge for Pakistan.' We want players to go and play in these leagues and have these great experiences."
"But if we believe it's going to be to the detriment of representing Pakistan in an upcoming series, then we'll have a discussion and have a decision to make. These are honest and difficult conversations. Ultimately, we're tasked with doing what's right by Pakistan cricket."
Pakistan are coming off a group-stage exit in the T20 World Cup 2024.