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Gillespie - Don't forget about me!! Jason weighs into debate with a TON!!!

October 30th 2007 03:14
Can someone tell Gillespie that his job is to take wickets not score runs!!

It should have seemed obvious after he was historically dumped from the test team after making a double-century. How would you feel?… a double century and a thanks very much… see you later…



The iconic mullet may have gone, but Gillespie’s competitive edge certainly hasn’t. The South Australian, a 71 test-match veteran still harbors thoughts of playing in the Baggy-Green one more time. Just ask Tasmania…

He’s at it again, after the Redbacks middle order crumbled and looked like being embarrassed at 6-92 and then 7-200 – cometh the man cometh the hour. Gillespie joined Manou for a double century eighth wicket stand. Turning a hopeless position into a commanding advantage.

Gillespie worthy of cult status – notched up a century against one of his rivals for a test recall – a Ben Hilfenhaus led Tasmania off 230 odd balls…



The 32 year old is proving there is still life in the perceived ‘old legs’. He seems old because he has been around so long! But it is his bowling not his batting that would earn him a recall. It seems after making his famous 200 he has been demoted down the pecking order behind; Stuart Clark, Bret Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken and Shaun Tait… He is now on level pegging with up-and coming youngster Ben Hilfenhaus.

Gillespie would like to add to his 258 test scalps… But it will be a tall task for him to get ahead of the youngsters. With Australian cricket going through a transformation, Selectors have made there feelings known that they are looking towards the future. The young breed of Johnson, Tait and Hilfenhaus are seen as the next generation and selectors will want them to experience a taste of test cricket.

Gillespie is an icon that has his career shortened thanks to numerous injuries – and THAT sickening collision with Steve Waugh in Sri Lanka. Waugh broke his nose, Gillespie broke his leg in one of the most disturbing thing ever seen on a cricket ground.

Sickening


I don’t think I’m the only pundit who would love to see him run around one last time in the dominant Aussie era. However the ‘Skunk’ would have to play out of his skin to earn a reprieve. It simply does not look possible as much as I hate to say it.

In full swing... A scary prospect... Those were the days!



Cricket has to move forward and although he probably has a few good years left in him, Australian cricket might be better served by experimenting with next-gen Johnson or Tait. These guys are waiting to prove themselves on cricket’s grandest and toughest stage.

I just couldn’t let Gillespie’s run scoring feat go unnoticed! Now if only he could back this up with a five-wicket haul… that would definitely get people talking!



A test bowling average of 26 and a strike rate of 55 is very respectable from 71 appearances… However I lament how much better he could have been… Which speaks volumes of Gillespie – who was overshadowed by the Warne/McGrath era. Add to this a batting average nearing 20 and the mad mullet from down under is looking like a genuine all-star in his own right. If injuries had not interrupted and plagued his career Gillespie may have become one of Australia’s greatest bowlers of all time. To see him injury-free at full-flight was incredible and one that I’ll never forget.

If only selectors could pick sides based on memories and reminiscing…



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Comments
4 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by jon

October 30th 2007 03:22
32 is not that old these days -- he definitely deserves another chance but like you say, I don't think it will happen.

Comment by sportsbar

October 30th 2007 03:27
Thats the thing.. He's not old... But he appears old... He has been around so long, people asume he is past his prime... The same with Katich... They still have a good 3-4 years in them... but cracking back into the side is the tough thing...

For the record... Gillespie and Manou put on 250 for the eighth wicket before Manou was finally dismissed LBW for 190.

The Icon has moved to 117*

Comment by Punters Daily

October 30th 2007 09:54
Love the article and love the man!

Jason Gillespie is everything that is right about Australian cricket, a man with a heart as big as Phar Lap. He surely must know deep down that there is no hope of a recall but keeps giving his all for any team he plays in. I bet he plays with the same intensity and passion for his grade cricket club. Jason Gillespie, a true great of Australian cricket.

Comment by Billy is a good boy..

June 14th 2010 07:24
this is a very good, well written article. i am not fit to lick your shoes.

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