Adam Gilchrist has refuted reports that he called the Pakistan Test side the “worst Asian team in Australian conditions” following their 0-3 defeat on the 2023/24 tour Down Under.

Pakistan extended their losing streak in Australia to 17 Tests after conceding the recent three-match series 0-3. The side last won a Test in the country in 1995 when they defeated the hosts by 74 runs. Over the next five tours, Pakistan failed to even draw a single game, losing 17 successive Tests, continuing their search for a first series win in the country.

The record puts them alongside Bangladesh as the only team without at least a draw in Australia since the start of the century. Sri Lanka drew the second Test at Cairns in 2004, while India have won the last two series, in 2018/19 and 2020/21.

Following the recent defeat, quotes of Gilchrist questioning Pakistan’s skill set in Australia did the rounds. “This is the worst Asian Team I have ever seen on Australian soil, they were in the driver’s seat and suddenly you lose 5 wickets in a span of 15 minutes? Their fans were mocking India yesterday but at least they won the match in South Africa and have won 2 series in Australia. What has Pakistan won in the last 35 years?” were the comments attributed to him.

The initial reports said Gilchrist had passed the statement during a commentary stint during the third Test that Pakistan went on to lose by eight wickets.

Gilchrist has now cleared the air over his comments confirming they were made up. “I never said this. Absolutely fake, made up quotes. Pakistan were excellent at times this summer, against a World Champion Aust team and very nearly pinched a Test or two. #fakenews #ignore,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

I never said this. Absolutely fake, made up quotes. Pakistan were excellent at times this summer, against a World Champion Aust team and very nearly pinched a Test or two. #fakenews #ignore pic.twitter.com/DsQ9KUINIr

— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) January 11, 2024

Pakistan had the momentum in the third Test at the SCG before a game-changing triple-wicket maiden by Josh Hazlewood changed their fortunes as they slipped to their first series defeat under Shan Masood.