Shaun Tait takes charge as Quetta Gladiators' bowling coach ahead of PSL 2024

Former Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait has been named as the new bowling coach for Quetta Gladiators in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9th edition. The team, helmed by head coach Shane Watson and led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, will look forward to his expertise.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Tait looks forward to mentoring a talented group of pacers including Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Mohammad Amir. Hasnain, a consistent Gladiators member, will reunite with Tait, while Amir and Wasim Jr. will join after trades from Karachi Kings and Islamabad United, respectively. He also expressed gratitude to team owner Nadeem Omar for the opportunity.

“Hi everyone, Shaun Tait here. I can happily announce that I’ll be the bowling coach for the Quetta Gladiators for the upcoming HBL PSL. I would like to thank Mr Nadeem Omar for trusting me with the bowling group and bowlers like Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim Jr and some real great talent,” Tait said in an official statement.

The Gladiators' recent coaching reshuffle signals their intent to revamp after a string of four seasons without making the playoffs. The 40-year-old, who was previously Pakistan's coach on a one-year contract from February 2022, had hoped for an extension but didn't see it materialise. With the PSL taking place from February 8 to March 24, the team will aim to leverage this shift in coaching dynamics for a fresh campaign.

Tait’s comes with a massive experience with Pakistan bowlers

The South Australia-born cricketer's prior involvement with Pakistan cricket will give him familiarity with most of the bowlers he'll now guide. During his tenure, he emphasised the need to manage the workload of Pakistan's fast bowlers effectively. He especially praised Hasnain, who is currently recovering from an ankle injury, expressing admiration for the young talent.

"No way - no way - express pace bowlers can currently play all three formats consistently. Hasnain has got the ability to bowl proper rapid, but there's no doubt [there's an air of vulnerability to him]. My input with Hasnain is purely about just using his athleticism. Getting that grunt as a fast bowler and being angry. Just running in fast and feeling good," Tait had said in an interview with ESPNcricinfo.