Jason Gillespie Voices Frustration Over Selection Process with Pakistan Cricket Team

Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie has openly expressed his frustrations regarding his lack of involvement in the team's selection process, emphasizing that this aspect was not part of his initial agreement when he took on the role. His comments come amid a tumultuous period for Pakistan cricket, which has seen a staggering 26 different selectors over the last three years.

Recent Performance Against England

The Pakistan cricket team recently leveled their three-match Test series against England at 1-1 with a decisive 152-run victory in Multan. This win followed a crushing defeat in the series opener, where England dominated, winning by an innings after scoring a record 823 runs.

In the third Test held in Rawalpindi, the pitch initially favored bowlers, with England being bowled out for 267 runs. Pakistani spinners excelled, with Sajid Khan claiming a remarkable six-wicket haul (6-128) as they dismissed England and took control of the match.

Gillespie's Role and Responsibilities

In a candid interview with Sky Sports Cricket, Gillespie addressed his frustration, stating, "No, I'm not [a selector]. It wasn't what I signed up for, I'll be honest, but this is one of those situations where you just need to go with the flow." He acknowledged that he is in a different environment where things are managed differently, but stressed his commitment to helping the team improve.

His focus remains on winning more matches and developing squad depth, particularly in pace bowling, as he aims to cultivate a broader talent pool within the team. Gillespie reiterated that he is dedicated to training and match-day strategy, while selection decisions fall under the purview of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and their selectors.

Selection Decisions and Babar Azam's Future

The coach's lack of input was particularly highlighted during the series when drastic changes were made to the lineup following the first Test loss. Star players, including former captain Babar Azam, were dropped after underwhelming performances. Babar scored just 30 and 5 in the first Test, while pace bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah were sidelined due to poor performances.

When asked about Babar's future in the Test side, Gillespie stated, "I cannot answer that because I'm not a selector." However, he remains confident in Babar's abilities, asserting, "Babar is a fine player, I think he's one of the best players in the world." Gillespie acknowledged that many great players go through lean patches but expressed optimism about Babar's return to form. "I'm very confident that Babar will be back scoring many runs for Pakistan in all formats," he added.

Series Schedule

The third Test between Pakistan and England is taking place in Rawalpindi from October 24 to 28, with the match currently underway. The series began with the first Test in Multan from October 7-11, where England emerged victorious, followed by the second Test from October 15-19, where Pakistan claimed a significant win.

Fans can catch the live coverage of day two of the third Test on Sky Sports Cricket and Main Event, starting at 5:50 AM, with the first ball scheduled for 6 AM on Friday, October 25.

Gillespie's frustration reflects broader challenges within the Pakistan cricket setup, as the team strives to regain its competitive edge. With the Test series against England still ongoing, the focus remains on performance improvement and the development of young talent, all while navigating the complexities of the selection process.