Jason Gillespie Downplays His Role in Pakistan’s Test Victory

In Pakistan cricket, it’s rare for someone to shy away from credit after a win. However, head coach Jason Gillespie deflected praise following Pakistan’s comeback victory over England in the second Test, pointing out that the key decisions were made without his input.

Gillespie made it clear that the significant changes made after Pakistan’s crushing defeat in the first Test weren’t influenced by him. Following that loss, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) introduced a new selection panel, including former umpire Aleem Dar and Aaqib Javed, excluding both Gillespie and captain Shan Masood from selection duties. Masood had also stated that he wanted to pass credit to others involved in the win.

Gillespie mentioned ahead of the third Test that after the first Test, the PCB decided to bring in a new selection committee that would handle decisions. He added that his role was now strictly focused on match-day strategy, saying he no longer had a say in selection matters. Reflecting on the situation, Gillespie joked that he was "getting splinters from sitting on the fence," recognising how drastically his job had shifted from what was initially promised when he took on the role.

Initially, Gillespie had envisioned a more comprehensive role with long-term planning, but Pakistan's choice to field a spin-heavy attack and prepare spinner-friendly pitches for the second Test seemed contrary to his original goals. He had earlier expressed concerns about short-term thinking, noting that making short-sighted decisions to safeguard immediate results could hinder long-term progress.

When asked about the team’s composition, Gillespie reiterated that it wasn’t his place to comment, as he was no longer involved in selection. Despite the narrowing of his role, Gillespie remained focused on the players, building strong relationships with them and pointing out his protective nature as a coach. He expressed pride in how his team handled the pressure in the second Test, particularly when England seemed poised to take control.

During the second Test, Pakistan faced early pressure, losing two quick wickets before debutant Kamran Ghulam stepped up with a crucial hundred to guide the team to 366. When England looked set for a lead at 211 for 2, spinner Sajid Khan’s timely intervention triggered a collapse, securing Pakistan a pivotal 75-run advantage.

Gillespie credited the team’s ability to remain calm under pressure as a key factor in their success. He stressed the importance of focusing on what the players could control and staying composed, especially when England tried to create opportunities. Gillespie expressed his pride in the team’s resilience and their ability to stay level-headed in challenging situations.

He highlighted the importance of maintaining open communication with the players, regularly discussing their development both as cricketers and individuals. Gillespie praised his support staff for fostering strong relationships with the team and accentuated the value of teamwork, noting that collaboration between coaches and players is what ultimately drives success.