'Not even thinking about entertaining' - Jason Gillespie rubbishes claims of taking Australia coach job

Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie has rejected claims of putting himself up for the head coach role for Australia after Justin Langer’s sudden exit. Gillespie is currently the head coach of the South Australia side and the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League and has coached the English county sides (Sussex and Yorkshire) in the past as well. He was part of the famous Australian side in the early 2000s that conquered the entire world and is a very good friend of Langer as well.

Langer’s four-year tenure in the coaching setup started in 2018 for Australia and he had to rebuild the side after the tough ball-tampering scandal. He had done all the hard yards in terms of bringing the players together and has focused on the development of the team despite players making allegations against him. The 4-0 Ashes victory and the T20 World Cup 2021 championship is considered to be the rewards for Langer’s excellent coaching setup and has stepped down ahead of the all-important first tour to Pakistan since 1998 in the month of March.

Heartbreaking to see how it played out’ – Jason Gillespie on Justin Langer episode

Gillespie mentioned that he is not looking to take up the coaching role even as he is being considered a strong contender for it. He said that he is delighted to know people think in that way and explained his disappointment over Langer’s decision and respected the decision of the former Australian opener.

“I am not putting myself up for any job, It’s nice to be thought of in that way but it’s certainly something I am not even thinking about entertaining,” Gillespie told reporters on Tuesday.

“Everyone has been pretty disappointed with how it has all played out – pretty heartbreaking to see, to be honest.,” Gillespie said. “But unfortunately, it is what it is. Justin has handled himself very well…the decision has been made and whatever decision they make, they make.

Gillespie went on to add his wishes for Langer and noted his achievements for the Australian side in his tenure. The 46-year-old, who played 71 Tests, 97 ODIs and one T20I for Australia, took 402 wickets across formats in his international career.

“Justin will go on and do wonderful things that we all know he can,” he said. “He has done a fine job with Australian cricket the last four years and we all wish him really well because he will succeed in whatever he puts his mind to.” Gillespie added.

Meanwhile, Andrew McDonald has been named interim head coach and will lead the tour of Pakistan next month along with the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka which he was already due to take charge of.