"My mantra is that we should only have fit, robust, and strong players"- Jason Gillespie on Pakistan's Test team

Pakistan's Test coach Jason Gillespie has made it clear that fitness will be of paramount importance for players selected to play in the longest format. Pakistan are set to host Bangladesh for two Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi.

There has been a lot of talk around Pakistan cricket of late, especially with the way they were knocked out of the T20 World Cup even before the Super Eight stage. There have also been several questions surrounding the lack of fitness levels in Pakistan players former cricketers and cricket experts.

However, addressing the reporters ahead of the Test series, Jason Gillespie claimed that only performances should be the answer from the players about their perception of the outside world.

"National teams are not where you still question a player's value. If there are any perceptions about a player's place, he has to change it with his performances and attitude. My mantra is that we should only have fit, robust, and strong players in the Test side because in modern day cricket of any format, fitness is a must," he said.

Pakistan were whitewashed 3-0 by Australia in their previous Test series under newly appointed Test captain Shan Masood.

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Jason Gillespie on Pakistan's brand of cricket

Jason Gillespie doesn't want Pakistan to copy any other team's brand of cricket and wants them to have some originality in how they go about their business in the Test format.

Focusing on attaining consistency in results, Gillespie told reporters:

"I want Pakistan to play in authentic Pakistan style and create an identity for itself. What I know is that Pakistan has the talent to do well. It is just about honing these players to work together to get consistently good results."

Pakistan are fifth in the World Test Championship points table, having won two and lost three Test matches with 36.66 percentage points.