“I’m extremely pleased with what we achieved collectively on the SACA, and I’ll at all times cherish these recollections. I’ve little question that South Australian cricket has a shiny future,” Gillespie mentioned in a SACA assertion. “I want to thank everybody for his or her assist throughout my time with the Strikers and Redbacks, it has been a real workforce effort. To have the ability to play and coach in my residence State has been an exquisite expertise, one thing I really feel honoured to have achieved.
“Wanting ahead, I’m excited to discover new alternatives within the sport and pursue the following chapter in my profession.”
The replace got here on the finish of a disappointing season for South Australia, who completed fifth on the six-team Sheffield Defend desk. Strikers, although, made the playoffs of the BBL, gained the Knockout in opposition to Perth Scorchers, earlier than shedding the Challenger to eventual champions Brisbane Warmth.
Gillespie took over as head coach at Strikers forward of the 2015-16 BBL season, main the workforce for 9 seasons. They gained the title in 2017-18 – their solely win thus far – and have made the playoffs 4 extra instances. He returned to South Australia full-time forward of the 2020-21 summer time, taking the reins of the Redbacks.
“Each as a participant and a coach, Jason has at all times represented South Australia with ardour and positivity,” SACA president Will Rayner mentioned. “We’re extraordinarily grateful for the dedication he has proven to South Australian cricket over a remarkably lengthy time period. He has been a real chief each on and off the sector and we want him each success sooner or later.
“He’ll at all times be thought-about as one of many legends of South Australian cricket.”
