Pakistan Test coach Jason Gillespie highlighted the importance of fitness in the team ahead of their two-match red-ball series against Bangladesh in August. Fielding and inconsistency were the two aspects of the Pakistan team that were heavily criticized after their disappointing display in the T20 World Cup. Apart from that, the fitness level of the players also turned out to be another point of backlash.
Some sections of fans, along with former Pakistan cricketers including Wasim Akram, Kamran Akmal and many more stars, have been critical of the players’ fitness.
“In international cricket, you have to remain fit, there are no questions on that. In international cricket, everyone should know about the importance of fitness. It is the main component of a sportsman,” Gillespie said as quoted by Geo News.
Gillespie also said that he had conversations with Pakistan’s test captain, Shan Masood and will hold talks with the players about the brand of cricket that they want to play.
“I have talked to Shan Masood one or two times, I’m hoping we will play positive cricket. I will discuss with the players about what brand of cricket they want to play, the team will be selected while taking the opposition and conditions in mind,” he said.
“My focus is red-ball cricket. I will also travel to Australia and watch their players. I have talked with Jeff Lawson and Shaun Tait on the Pakistan cricket team,” Gillespie added.