Jason Gillespie, who was appointed as Pakistan’s Test team head coach in April this year, stepped down from his role. Following Gillespie’s resignation, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Aqib Javed as interim red-ball head coach of the Test team. In Gillespie’s last assignment as the Pakistan head coach, the team overcame a 1-0 deficit to emerge victorious in a three-Test series against England at home in October. Pakistan are currently contesting a three-match T20I series against the Proteas, which will be followed by as many ODIs. The two-Test series will begin thereafter at the Centurion on Boxing Day.

Aqib’s first assignment as red-ball head coach will be the two-match Test series against South Africa during the ongoing all-format tour.

The first Test is scheduled at the SuperSport Park in Centurion from December 26 to 30. The second Test will be played at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town from January 3 to 7.

Pakistan, who are out of contention for a spot in next year’s WTC Final, currently placed seventh in the ICC World Test Championship points table, have four more Tests remaining in the ongoing cycle.

While South Africa, currently occupying the top spot in the points table, have emerged as a frontrunner for the summit clash following the recent 2-0 drubbing of Sri Lanka at home.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may make Jason Gillespie as the all-format head coach of the national team if the results of the ongoing white-ball tour of Australia is “satisfactory”, according to sources. Test team head coach Gillispie is also taking charge of the white-ball side in Australia after Gary Kirsten’s sudden resignation. “For the moment, the Board is working on a plan to appoint Jason Gillespie as all-format head coach instead of advertising for new candidates,” a PCB source told PTI on Thursday.

“If Pakistan performs satisfactorily in the remaining games in Australia, then in all probability, Gillispie would be asked to take over as all formats head coach,” the source added.

Pakistan suffered a two-wicket loss against Australia in the opening ODI in Melbourne on November 4. They will play against Australia in two more ODIs on Friday (Adelaide) and Sunday (Perth), before facing the same opponents in three T20Is — on November 14, 16 and 18.

“Immediately afterwards, the team has to fly to Zimbabwe for another white-ball series. So, any final call would be made before that,” the source added.

The PCB is confident that if all goes well, Gillespie will agree to become an all-format head coach, at least until next April.

The source also said that the PCB has drawn up a shortlist of three former Pakistan players, including ex Test spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, in case things don’t work out with Gillespie.

“But, the PCB’s preference is to have Gillespie to also be white-ball head coach if he agrees,” he said.