Jason Gillespie is set to conclude his tenure as the head coach of South Australia and Adelaide Strikers, announced the South Australia Cricket Association (SACA) in a statement on Thursday. Gillespie will step down from his role by the end of June. His departure marks the end of an era, as he leaves behind a legacy of coaching excellence. The announcement signals a transition period for both teams as they seek to fill his influential position. The announcement follows closely after the recent news of Tim Nielsen’s decision to step down from his role as general manager of Cricket.
Jason Gillespie’s Statement Regarding This:
Gillespie assumed the role of head coach at Strikers before the 2015-16 BBL season, guiding the team for nine seasons. Under his leadership, they secured the title in 2017-18, their sole victory to date, and qualified for the playoffs on four additional occasions. Gillespie transitioned back to South Australia ahead of the 2020-21 summer, assuming control of the Redbacks, marking his full-time return to coaching in the region.
The announcement followed a challenging season for South Australia, concluding with a fifth-place finish in the six-team Sheffield Shield table. In contrast, the Strikers performed well, reaching the playoffs of the BBL. They clinched victory in the Knockout against Perth Scorchers but were defeated in the Challenger match by the eventual champions, Brisbane Heat. Despite the disappointment for South Australia, the Strikers’ playoff run showcased their resilience and competitiveness in the BBL.
Gillespie said, “I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together at the SACA, and I will always cherish those memories. I have no doubt that South Australian cricket has a bright future. I would like to thank everyone for their support during my time with the Strikers and Redbacks, it has been a true team effort. To be able to play and coach in my home State has been a wonderful experience, something I feel honoured to have achieved. Looking forward, I am excited to explore new opportunities in the sport and pursue the next chapter in my career.”
SACA President Will Rayner’s Words:
Regarding this, SACA president Will Rayner said, “Both as a player and a coach, Jason has always represented South Australia with passion and positivity. We are extremely grateful for the dedication he has shown to South Australian cricket over a remarkably long period of time. He has been a genuine leader both on and off the field and we wish him every success in the future. He will always be considered as one of the legends of South Australian cricket.”
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