Just a little over a month after their historic first Check cricket sequence loss in opposition to Bangladesh, Pakistan are set to host a historically more durable opponent, England, in a three-match cricket residence sequence from Monday.
The final time England toured Pakistan in 2022, they returned with a 3-0 whitewash within the bag and with the so-called Bazball period – originating from the kind of attacking cricket they play underneath coach Brendon McCullum – on the rise.
Whereas the English group continues its daring new voyage, Pakistan cricket finds itself underneath acquainted clouds of gloom and doom after a string of abysmal outcomes and a change of management.
Former Australian cricketer Jason Gillespie has been tasked with altering the fortunes of Pakistan’s Check aspect as its head coach, however a 2-0 residence sequence defeat in opposition to Bangladesh dashed hopes of a direct reversal in fortunes.
Calls got here for yet one more change of captaincy and Shan Masood was closely criticised. Gillespie, nonetheless, has absolutely backed the skipper and, within the first a part of his exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, mentioned that consistency in choice is the important thing to rebuilding the Check aspect.
Gillespie hopes Pakistan could make England sweat
The brute pressure of England, who sit 5 locations above Pakistan within the Check group rankings of the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC), might dent the Pakistan followers’ hopes additional.
Nevertheless, Gillespie has no concern of the English method and believes a standard Check cricket method would be the good antidote to McCullum’s Bazball.
“We all know how England bat,” Gillespie instructed Al Jazeera within the lead-up to the sequence. “We all know they’re going to go fairly onerous with the bat and they’re in all probability going to be fairly defensive and affected person with the ball.
“That’s wonderful. We are going to look to counter no matter is thrown our method as finest we will,” Gillespie mentioned.
The Pakistan coach insists his group can play “good, onerous and constant Check cricket”.
The 49-year-old mentioned his group will probably be affected person however take the sport ahead when introduced with a chance.
“We’re not going to get sucked into the English model of play,” Gillespie mentioned. “There’s a cause why they name it Check cricket: It checks your expertise, health and endurance.”
Whereas Bangladesh confronted Pakistan in acquainted South Asian situations, England arrived from a bitterly chilly and moist September at residence and with little time to settle.
“It’s going to be stinking sizzling, so I’m hoping we will problem England [in the heat],” Gillespie continued.
England claimed a 2-1 sequence win in opposition to Sri Lanka of their final outing at residence, however the closing match of the sequence noticed the hosts collapse to a humbling eight-wicket defeat. Questions had been raised in regards to the make-up of the new-look aspect – now shorn of their longtime opening bowling duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
England may even be with out their common Check captain Ben Stokes, who will miss the primary Check on account of health causes. Seamer Brydon Carse will make his debut.
Arrivals ✈ Heat Ups 💪 Nets 🏏
Multan, Pakistan 📌
🇵🇰 #PAKvENG 🏴 | #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/Vx68ENaiPE
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) October 4, 2024
‘We are able to match as much as England’
In the meantime, Pakistan have issues of their very own, having not received a house Check match since February 2021 – a winless streak of 10 video games. However Gillespie says his aspect ought to play with out concern of loss or the opposition.
“We match as much as England,” mentioned the previous seamer, who performed 71 Checks and 91 one-day internationals (ODIs) for Australia. “They’ve had some adjustments of their personnel and have quite a few younger bowlers who wouldn’t have skilled Pakistan earlier than, so we see it as a chance to compete onerous.”
Of their final 5 Check sequence, Pakistan have received one – away to Sri Lanka in July 2023.
A bunch-stage exit from the 50-over ICC World Cup in November was adopted by the resignation of their all-format captain Babar Azam.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) determined to separate the captaincy, handing Masood the Check position whereas quick bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was entrusted with the T20 management. The white-ball captaincy went again to Azam, however he left it for the second time in lower than a 12 months.
Regardless of the adjustments, Gillespie has reiterated his intent to again his captain and gamers as he appears to be like to create an atmosphere the place they really feel “secure”.
He believes there’s no lack of motivation or effort from his gamers.
“Gamers don’t want motivation to signify their nation,” he mentioned. “If the motivation is just not there, then you might be in all probability within the flawed sport or flawed occupation.
“We’re decided to show individuals flawed on this England sequence. We simply have to exit and again our expertise.”
Targeted on Recreation Day 🏏
The Check sequence begins on Monday 🔴#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/wD7x03OVjz
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 6, 2024
