Jason Gillespie to Lead Pakistan in Australia

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is turning to Test coach Jason Gillespie to lead the team in an interim capacity for their upcoming tour of Australia.

The former international will be tasked with steadying the ship which has been rocked by the resignation of Gary Kirsten on the eve of the Pakistan team travelling for Australia. Aaqib Javed’s name was also in the headlines to take over in an immediate capacity by PCB seems to have preferred the Australian’s already established experience with the national team as an added benefit.

Gillespie will fly out with the rest of the team for his homeland tomorrow.

Meanwhile, PCB has reportedly already drawn up a 7-man shortlist to take over the role on a permanent basis with an appointment expected in due time. However, Jason Gillespie has an opportunity to throw his name in the hat with an impressive showing in the 3ODIs and 3 T20Is coming up.

With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, having a single coach overlooking Pakistan’s cricketing affairs may bring more stability to the team.

Gillespie was appointed Pakistan’s test head coach alongside the South African in April and was likelier the more understanding one during the divestments of their powers between the two. Pakistan’s recent win against England was their first under Gillespie.

Pakistan will take on Australia in the first ODI on November 4th.