Jason Gillespie: “Saim Ayub is a quality player”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie believes Pakistan opening batsman Saim Ayub “is a quality player”.
Although Ayub has been out of form on the international stage, he reminded everyone of his explosive potential during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), smashing a 58-ball 102 for the Jamaica Kingsmen against the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots. The innings featured six boundaries and eight sixes.
Gillespie, who previously served as Pakistan’s red-ball head coach, acknowledged that all players go through phases of good and bad form but expressed no doubts about the talent of the 24-year-old from Karachi.
“Saim Ayub is a quality player,” he was quoted as saying by TOK Sports.
Ayub got the chance to make his Test comeback during Pakistan’s recent three-match series against England when he was among seven players recalled to the side for the 3rd Test in Birmingham.
However, he was unable to make the most of his opportunity as he was dismissed for a duck in both innings.
Pakistan went on to lose the series 3-0.
He returned to the Kingsmen after the 3rd Test and ended his CPL campaign with 182 runs in six matches at an average of 45.50 and a strike-rate of 151.66.
He also took three wickets at an average of 67 and an economy rate of 9.13.