Ricky Ponting Backs Jason Gillespie to Excel as Pakistan Red-Ball Coach

Legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting has expressed confidence in Jason Gillespie's ability to succeed as the red-ball coach of the Pakistan men's team. Gillespie, a former Australian pacer, was appointed to the role in April 2024.

Ponting, who played alongside Gillespie for Australia, praised his former teammate's analytical mind and quiet demeanor. He compared Gillespie to current Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir, noting their successful coaching records.

"Jason Gillespie is a bit like Gambhir. Pretty much everywhere he has been, his coaching record has been very very good," Ponting said. "He will have some challenges, I got no doubt about it. But he is a deep thinker and as I said, a quiet person that goes about it in his own way."

Gillespie has a wealth of coaching experience, having led teams in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Big Bash League (BBL), and various English counties. He will take charge of Pakistan's ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh, England, and South Africa in the 2024-25 season.

Pakistan's Test series against Bangladesh begins on August 21 in Rawalpindi. Saud Shakeel has been named as the new Pakistan Test vice-captain ahead of the series. The team is currently ranked fifth in the ICC World Test Championship standings and will be looking to improve their position with positive results against Bangladesh.

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