[EXCLUSIVE] "I would like to keep a connection with Pakistan Cricket": Shaun Tait

[The Bald Eagle]

In our latest exclusive interview, Shaun Tait – Australia’s former express fast bowler, former Pakistan bowling coach and current Karachi Kings bowling coach – unpacks his insights on T20 tactics, Pakistan cricket’s potential, and the evolving role of pace bowlers in modern cricket. From his World Cup-winning experience to shaping PSL stars, Tait argues that simplicity, is key for pacers to achieve success in T20 cricket.

Key topics include:

"I’m practicing Yorkers until I’m tired": Tait’s on if he was to play T20 cricket today.

Why Karachi Kings "have been underachievers" – and how they plan to turn it around: Despite winning their first PSL title in 2020, Karachi Kings have struggled with consistency, finishing near the bottom in recent seasons due to lack of cohesion and underperformance of key players. They plan to reverse this by rejuvenating the squad with a mix of experienced stars like Shoaib Malik and promising local talent, under the guidance of experienced coach Phil Simmons, aiming to restore resilience and fighting spirit.

Batters’ fearlessness: How reckless hitting is creating opportunities for bowlers: The aggressive approach by batters in T20 cricket often leads to risky shots, which bowlers exploit by setting attacking fields and bowling Yorkers or slower balls to induce mistakes, turning the batters’ boldness into wicket-taking chances.

The PSL’s global standing: Why it’s "definitely one of the best" leagues: The Pakistan Super League has grown into a highly competitive tournament attracting international stars and top local talent, with strong fan engagement and quality cricket that rivals other premier T20 leagues worldwide, enhancing Pakistan’s cricketing profile.

Sticking to strengths: Why overcomplicating tactics is a fast bowler’s worst enemy: Fast bowlers succeed best when they focus on their core skills like line, length, and pace rather than trying overly complex variations, which can lead to loss of rhythm and effectiveness, especially in high-pressure T20 scenarios.

Future ambitions: Tait’s desire to "keep a connection with Pakistan cricket" shows his commitment to contributing beyond playing, possibly through coaching or mentoring roles, helping develop cricket in Pakistan and maintaining ties with the vibrant PSL ecosystem.

Watch the full interview with Saj here:

 

[Asad T]

If i'm not wrong, he is literally the only foreign coach (in recent times) who looks back at his time with Pakistan positively

 

[BouncerGuy]

Not sure why his contract was not renewed. I liked the overall vibe of shaub around the Pakistan bowlers.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Felt for him, as PCT treated him unfairly and only used to send him for presser after PCT's epic fiasco

 

[Daniel.Moore]

Shaun Tait keeps it real Yorkers, simplicity, and sticking to your strengths are his go-to for cracking T20 cricket.

 

[Saj]

He is the ideal type of pace-bowling coach for Pakistan.

Yes he has the technical knowledge, but ultimately he will tell the guys to bowl as fast as they can

 

[Savak]

He is the ideal type of pace-bowling coach for Pakistan.

Yes he has the technical knowledge, but ultimately he will tell the guys to bowl as fast as they can

A good bowling coach has to be able to guide and help all sorts of bowlers. No good telling a guy who operates at 130-133 km/hr to bowl as fast as they can.

 

[Suleiman]

His roasting of press asking stupid questions is what John Cena’s presser reminded me of, calling everything clickbait haha.

The wild thaang is a good hearted bloke but am unsure of the coaching qualifications internationally

 

[BouncerGuy]

Shaun tait should definitely be considered for the bowling coach role... I think he will do good job.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

In an official press release issued today, the BCB confirmed Tait’s appointment and shared details of his contract:


"The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is pleased to announce the appointment of former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait as the Pace Bowling Coach of the Bangladesh National Team. The 42-year-old will join the team setup later this month, having agreed to terms with the BCB on a contract that runs until November 2027,"

 

[The Bald Eagle]

The last two overs by Mustafizur and Taskin were the difference between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka today in thrilling encounter of Asia Cup 2025, Some good job from their bowling coach Shaun Tait

 

[sweep_shot]

The last two overs by Mustafizur and Taskin were the difference between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka today in thrilling encounter of Asia Cup 2025, Some good job from their bowling coach Shaun Tait

Shaun Tait has been great so far.

BD have had some good pace bowling coaches lately --> Courtney Walsh, Allan Donald, Andre Adams, and Shaun Tait.

Donald did an excellent job also.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Bangladesh quick credits Australian coach for Pakistan haul

Bangladesh pace sensation Nahid Rana has credited former Australia speedster and current fast bowling coach Shaun Tait for providing him with the confidence to perform at the highest level.

Rana displayed his capabilities with a superb five-wicket haul for Bangladesh during their impressive eight-wicket triumph over Pakistan in Mirpur on Wednesday in what was just his 17th international appearance for his country.

The 23-year-old had Pakistan's batters mesmerised as he regularly hit high speeds in excess of 140km/h, showcasing the skills that Tait made famous when he was part of Australia's formidable fast bowling line-up earlier this century.

Rana fronted the media after Bangladesh's victory in the series opener and the right-armer made mention of the role Tait has had in his career thus far and the confidence the Australian has provided him with.

"To be honest, he (Tait) is an outstanding coach because he behaves with us not only as a coach but also as a friend," Rana said.

"Whenever we need something, he provides it. He always tells us to stick to our strengths and to let him know if we need anything. He says, 'Whatever you need, just tell me. I am here to guide you. You will play on the field, I will give you the plan, and you have to execute it and win the match.' So he always motivates us and gives us the best guidance."

Rana first burst onto the scene at the start of 2024 when he debuted in an ICC World Test Championship contest against Sri Lanka in Sylhet and it's in the longest-format that the pacer has appeared in mostly since despite a brief foray into white-ball cricket at the ICC Champions Trophy event last year.

While the temptation for Rana to hit speeds in excess of 150km/h continues to create much attention, the fast bowler is instead concentrating on finding the right line and length with his bowling and letting the rest take care of itself.

"Honestly, I don't think too much about speed. In international cricket, skill matters more than pure pace," Nahid said after his maiden five-wicket haul in ODIs.

"So I am trying to work more on improving my skills.

"In the beginning, Fizz Bhai (Mustafizur Rahman) and Taskin Bhai (Taskin Ahmed) were bowling. I was talking with them on the field about what was happening on the wicket. They told me that if you hit the right areas or maintain a proper line and length in certain spots, it becomes difficult for the batters to play. So I just tried to execute that on the field.

"I have played many matches on this ground before, so I tried to use that experience, understanding which line and length works best here and how to get help from the wicket. For me, every wicket is special. I don't think about cricket in terms of a wicket being good today and bad tomorrow. I believe that a bowler should understand the wicket first, whatever the condition is, and then bowl according to what the wicket demands."

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson was bitterly disappointed with the performance of his side against Bangladesh, with the experienced mentor admitting that Rana's pace had troubled his batting line-up.

"I think Nahid Rana was exceptional," Hesson said.

"Until he came into the game we were ticking along OK. And he changed the game. He bowled into the wicket, created some variation and bounce, which he's allowed to do when he's bowling at that pace. And we didn't respond as well as we needed to. So all credit to him.

"It's actually the first time I've seen him bowl live. I've seen him bowl a lot on TV. I thought he bowled really nicely, even in warm-ups. He looked like he had his timing going well. And he bowls hard into the surface, he presents the seam and he bowls cross-seam."

ICC

 

[Kianig89]

Pakistan fast bowling is completely disbanded , insipid and pop gun.

We don't have a single fast bowler to ace any format , t20 ODI or Test.

Selectors coaches captain all are silenced on this crisis.