Jason Gillespie reveals chat with Babar Azam, concerned about pacers’ workload

Pakistani Test coach Jason Gillespie has raised concerns about the workload on the team's pacers.

Speaking at a luncheon with a small group of journalists in Karachi, the former Australian Test bowler shared his thoughts on the issue.

Gillespie, who recently took on the role of Pakistan's Test coach, is preparing for his first series against Bangladesh.

He highlighted the heavy demands placed on Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, who play across multiple formats and participate in franchise cricket.

He said, “Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are multi-format cricketers and also participate in franchise cricket. They cannot play every match. We will try to give them rest in relatively less important matches. Over the past year, Shaheen has bowled three times more than Mitchell Starc. How can he manage such a workload? We need to take care of him.”

Gillespie also mentioned plans to set up a camp starting August 6 to prepare for the Bangladesh series, with the probables for the series to be announced by the end of the month.

“We will also assess the pressure on the batters. Our aim is to prepare backup. He mentioned that a camp will be set up from August 6 for preparations for the series against Bangladesh. We will announce the probables for the series by the end of this month. It has not been decided yet who will be given rest. Shan Masood will lead the Test team. He is currently playing county cricket in England. Although we have not met, we stay in touch over the phone,” Gillespie said.

Gillespie discussed his recent conversations with Babar Azam and Naseem Shah in Lahore, encouraging Babar to play his natural game.

“In Lahore, I had conversations with Babar Azam and Naseem Shah. I told Babar to play his natural game freely,” he said.

Gillespie also mentioned that Shaheen might be absent from the Bangladesh series because he's anticipating the birth of his first child with his wife, Ansha Afridi.

"Shaheen can miss Bangaladesh Test matches due to childbirth. We can give him [some] rest if he wants to stay with his wife till then," he said.

He also outlined his schedule, which includes being with the Pakistan Shaheens for their matches against Bangladesh A, before returning to Pakistan on August 4.

Regarding the ICC Test Championship, Gillespie acknowledged the challenging journey to the final, stating that the team needs to perform at 100%. With nine Test matches scheduled this season, including a tough tour of South Africa, his immediate focus is on the series against Bangladesh. Gillespie plans to personally watch domestic matches and monitor new talent during the training camp to assess players' performances.