Jason Gillespie, the former Pakistan Test coach, has launched a sharp critique at Umar Gul following Pakistan’s recent coaching upheaval during their tour of England. The comments come in the wake of significant changes to Pakistan’s cricket setup after disappointing results in the opening matches of the Test series.
Gillespie made his remarks on the Fast Bowling Cartel Podcast, which features Glenn McGrath and Damien Martyn. Pakistan suffered an innings and 103-run defeat in the first Test at Headingley, a loss that triggered a major reshuffle within the team’s management and playing squad.
“Give me a spell, Umar. Not surprised you’re not bowling coach anymore, champ. How ridiculous is that?” Gillespie said in the above mentioned source.
Gul’s explanation for Pakistan’s bowling struggles
Pakistan parted ways with bowling coach Umar Gul and head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed after heavy defeats in the opening two Tests. The Pakistan Cricket Board also sent home seven players, including former captain Salman Ali Agha, as part of the overhaul.
Gul had attributed Pakistan’s bowling struggles at Headingley to the cold weather conditions in England. He explained that the pacers had arrived from the West Indies, where they were accustomed to hot conditions, and struggled to adjust when they reached Yorkshire.
“When we came here from WI, the weather was hot. It was a hot summer. We weren’t expecting it to be this cold. Even the practice match at Croydon, the weather there was hot. When we reached Headingley, it was totally different. It rained, and the weather was cold. Obviously, you need to spend some time in that cold weather. That’s why we couldn’t bowl that well, and we couldn’t execute due to the weather,” Gul told reporters after the match.
Gillespie criticises the broader chaos in Pakistan’s setup
Gillespie expressed frustration at the broader situation surrounding Pakistan’s management decisions. He highlighted the contradictions in how the board handled the dismissed players and the overall direction of the team during the tour.
“It’s just chaos. The players are used to this stuff, and it’s par for the course. To sack seven players and then request that they stay to meet the King, because it would be embarrassing for the PCB to have only some players. How can you treat people this way? It makes zero sense,” Gillespie said.
Pakistan face England in the third and final Test from September 9 to 13 at Edgbaston in Birmingham, with the new coaching setup in place.
