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After the disappointment of the men’s team failing to reach the ODI World Cup 2023 final, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took decisive action, triggering a comprehensive restructuring of the coaching staff. Captain Babar Azam voluntarily stepped down, paving the way for Shan Masood to assume the leadership role for the Test side. In a bid to fortify the team’s bowling arsenal, Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal were enlisted as fast-bowling and spin-bowling coaches, respectively.
Appointment of new batting coach by Pakistan
Adding an international perspective and extensive playing experience to the coaching lineup, the PCB recently announced the appointment of former England cricketer Adam Hollioake as the batting coach for the upcoming Test tour to Australia. This tour, scheduled from December 2023 to January 2024, will see Pakistan facing the formidable Australian side in a series of three Test matches.
Hollioake, renowned for his contributions in both Test and ODI formats during his playing days, has transitioned seamlessly into coaching. His coaching journey includes a stint with the England Lions team, where his expertise and mentoring skills were highly valued. The 52-year-old’s coaching capabilities were further acknowledged when he joined England’s coaching staff for the final two Ashes Tests in the 2021-22 series.
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Pakistan’s Test challenge in Australia
The challenge that lies ahead for Pakistan are daunting, particularly considering their historical struggles in Australian conditions. Having not won a Test series down under and their last Test victory on Australian soil dating back to 1995, Pakistan faces an uphill task against Pat Cummins‘ formidable Australian side.
Australian test odyssey: Pakistan’s schedule
The Test series is scheduled to kick off in Perth from December 14 to 18, followed by games in Melbourne from December 26 to 30, and the final encounter in Sydney from January 3 to 7, 2024. The appointments of new leadership and coaching dynamics underscore Pakistan’s commitment to revitalizing their Test cricket prowess and overcoming historical challenges on the Australian turf. The cricketing world will keenly watch how this rejuvenated Pakistani side, under new leadership and coaching guidance, fares in this crucial Test series against Australia.
