Islamabad, September 28, 2024 – With Pakistan Test series against England fast approaching, head coach Jason Gillespie has called on his team to adopt a more ruthless mindset, particularly in moments where they hold the upper hand.
After a disheartening 2-0 home series defeat to Bangladesh, where Pakistan squandered commanding positions, Gillespie has emphasized the need for sustained intensity and sharper focus.
Reflecting on the Bangladesh series, Gillespie acknowledged that Pakistan’s inability to maintain dominance in crucial phases cost them dearly. Twice in the series, Pakistan found themselves in control but allowed the opposition to claw back into the contest. In the first Test, after posting a formidable 448/6 before declaring, Pakistan shockingly conceded a decisive lead to Bangladesh. Similarly, in the second Test, Pakistan had the visitors reeling at 26/6 in the first innings, only to let them recover to 262.
Speaking on the PCB podcast, Gillespie expressed frustration at his team’s inconsistency. “We showed glimpses of real quality, both with the bat and the ball. The issue was that we didn’t sustain that level long enough,” Gillespie remarked. “When we let Bangladesh back into the game, they capitalized. That’s where we fell short. The scoreline of 2-0 in their favor doesn’t fully reflect how competitive we were, but we allowed them to regain momentum when we should have buried them.”
The Australian coach highlighted Pakistan’s inability to close out games during critical moments. “It’s not that we played poorly throughout. It’s that in one or two hours, we let our guard down, and it cost us massively. In Test cricket, those lapses are what define outcomes. What we need is a more ruthless approach, ensuring that when we’re on top, we stay on top,” he said.
Gillespie’s words come at a critical juncture, as Pakistan has not won a home Test since February 2021. The upcoming series against England offers a chance for redemption, particularly after a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to the same opposition in 2022.
As Pakistan prepares to face England starting October 7 in Multan, Gillespie is well aware of the challenge posed by Ben Stokes’ side, whose aggressive “Bazball” strategy has redefined Test cricket. “England’s approach is clear: they play aggressive, high-tempo cricket. I don’t particularly like the term ‘Bazball,’ but they’ve evolved their game to capitalize on every opportunity. We will play our way—focused on discipline, consistency, and exploiting gaps at the right moments to drive the game forward,” Gillespie explained.
Pakistan, in a bid to rejuvenate their squad, has recalled veteran spinner Yasir Shah for the series. As the team looks to rebound and regain footing in the ICC World Test Championship standings, Gillespie’s call for ruthlessness will be pivotal in determining their fortunes against a dynamic England side.
