Citing his commitment with Big Bash League outfit Adelaide Strikers, former Australia fast-bowler has put himself out of contention to become England’s bowling coach. The post is vacant after Ottis Gibson got roped in by South Africa as their head coach.
Gillespie, who took over 300 international wickets for Australia, had an excellent track record as a coach in England, having lifted Yorkshire from the second division in his first county season before helping them win back-to-back County Championship titles in 2014 and 2015. Regarded highly in England for his job with Yorkshire, Gillespie was also approached by England in 2015 for the post of a head coach. Since Gillespie declined, the job went to current coach Trevor Bayliss, and England are now set to face another snub from the Australian who is not interested in taking any position in Europe.
“I haven’t thought about it to be honest,” Gillespie told The Unplayable Podcast on Thursday (August 31) when asked about the possibility of replacing Ottis Gibson. “I’m committed to the Adelaide Strikers. We’re pretty excited about the Big Bash coming up in December-January. I’ve got some commitments leading up to the Big Bash as well so it’s not something I’ve spoken to anyone about.
“As with everything, you listen if someone gives you a call and says they want to have a conversation … but to be honest, at this point, it’s not something I’m thinking about,” he added.
Gillespie further mentioned why he ended his highly successful stint with Yorkshire.
“There was a reason why I finished up a Yorkshire; it was to come back to Australia and bring our family and get settled back in Australia and spend a bit more time at home,” he said.
“And certainly for the short term that’s what I’m looking at for the moment; just short-term opportunities to broaden my coaching experience and when an opportunity comes along that I think I can sink my teeth into and make a difference, that might be something that I’ll put my hand up for,” Gillespie concluded.
Meanwhile, England would be desperate to land a replacement for Gibson as soon as possible as Joe Root & Co. are all set to tour Australia in a couple of months’ time for the Ashes. As per a report in English media, Middlesex’s Richard Johnson and Essex’s head coach Chris Silverwood are the front-runners for the post.