On August 21, Pakistan’s two-match Test series will get underway.
Jason Gillespie, a former fast bowler for Australia, is prepared to lead the Pakistan men’s red-ball squad. Australia easily won the recent series 3-0, and the Shan Masood-led team had a horrible time playing down under. In Pakistan cricket, a lot has changed since then. Both Babar Azam and Muhammad Hafeez have voiced their desire to assume leadership roles in Test cricket.
Pakistan is currently experiencing a great deal of unrest. Hafeez brought up the fact that many players prefer to sleep during Test matches, which is unusual for the international side, in response to the players’ harsh criticism following their early elimination from the T20 World Cup 2024. A series defeat to Bangladesh might further damage Pakistan at this critical juncture. Gillespie, their new coach, is aware of this and prepared to work toward improving their cricket team.
In the two-match series against the Bangla Tigers, the Australian gave his word that he is motivated and prepared to contribute to the team’s success. In the series, which is scheduled to start on August 21, he said, Pakistan can win if they have the proper plan and preparation.
“My main emphasis will be on how Pakistan can play effectively against Bangladesh when we play them. The Daily Star cited Gillespie as stating, “I’m not going to be dwelling on my last Test match,” in response to a question concerning his undefeated double hundred against Bangladesh in Chattogram back in 2006.
Nice memories, for sure, but right now my attention and energies are on Pakistan and how we may affect Bangladesh, a very good cricket team. Thus, we must ensure that we play well, that we prepare well, that we study the opponent, and that we come up with plans for how we can affect them. This will be my first time managing a Test match.
Pakistan has not yet stated whether Masood would stay as the team’s captain going forward or if he will be replaced right away following a series.