Gillespie to lead Pakistan’s Test prep ahead of Bangladesh series

LAHORE: After Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, newly appointed red-ball coach Jason Gillespie is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan next month to oversee practice sessions for the home series against Bangladesh in August.
Reliable sources Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) informed PTI that the training camp will start on July 24 in Karachi. Issues related to the national team and Pakistan Shaheens (A-Team) players will be resolved in the camp.
“Gillespie will oversee the camp and support staff and Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood will return early from England to prepare for the Bangladesh series, which includes two Test matches,” he said.
The source also said that some senior players could be rested for the series as Gillespie aims to assess the reserve talent in the country. Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood has indicated to the PCB that he wants to include Babar Azam in the Test squad for the next series, but other senior players may be given a break.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is expected to hold a press conference next week to discuss key decisions of the Board after the T20 World Cup debacle. It will also discuss issues related to team dynamics.
“Naqvi is known for his straightforward approach and can sort out what is wrong with the Pakistan team. Babar is expected to be concerned about the performance of some players during and before the World Cup and will include this complaint in his report,” PCB said. .
England will then travel to Pakistan for a three-match Test series in October.
In November, Pakistan will travel to Australia for a three-day international (ODI) and three-match T20I (T20I) series. After their stint in Australia, Pakistan’s next stop will be Zimbabwe where they will play three ODIs and three T20Is from November 20 to December 5.
After the match in Zimbabwe, Pakistan will travel to Durban for a tour of South Africa where they will play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Test matches between December 10 and January 7.
From August to January, the Pakistan cricket team will play at least seven Test matches, 13 ODIs and nine T20Is, which promises to be an exciting and exciting time for the team and their supporters.