Gillespie quit after being 'blindsided' by PCB

Former Australia bowler Jason Gillespie took 259 wickets in 71 Tests between 1996 and 2006

Jason Gillespie says he resigned as Pakistan Test coach after being kept in the dark over key decisions.

The former Australia fast bowler, 49, was appointed in April on a two-year deal.

However, Gillespie stepped down last week with ex-Pakistan seamer Aqib Javed being named interim red-ball head coach.

He cited the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sacking high-performance coach Tim Nielsen as a key factor in his departure.

Gillespie said he received "absolutely zero communication" from the PCB over Nielsen's dismissal and acknowledged it was "the straw that broke the camel's back".

"I was completely and utterly blindsided by a decision to not have a high-performance coach," Gillespie told ABC Sport.

"I just thought after a number of other things that had gone on in the previous few months, that was probably the moment where I thought, 'Well, I'm not really sure if they actually really want me to do this job or not.'"

During their recent Test series win over England, the PCB announced a new selection panel which did not include Gillespie, who played 71 Tests and and 97 one-day internationals for Australia.

Gillespie said he took on the job with his "eyes wide open" given how frequently Pakistan have changed coaches, but diminished responsibilities were still a source of frustration.

"I felt I was basically hitting catches and that was about it on the morning of a game," he added.

"You want to be able to have clear communication with all stakeholders, with selectors, for instance, knowing what the team is as head coach well before the game, or before at least the day before the game."