Date:01/03/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/03/01/stories/2008030154192100.htm

Sport - Cricket

Gillespie announces retirement

Special Correspondent

Melbourne: Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has announced his retirement from first-class and international cricket at the end of the domestic season.

He has signed a three-year contract with the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

In his final Test in the baggy green, against Bangladesh in Chittagong (2006), Gillespie remained unbeaten on 201. The innings showcased his spirit. He joined Seymour Nurse and Aravinda de Silva as the only batsmen to have scored a double hundred in their last Test.

Of course, we all know ‘Dizzy’ Gillespie as a fast bowler who could influence the course of matches along with ‘Pigeon’ Glenn McGrath.

They said: “If Pigeon doesn’t get you, Dizzy would.”

The two formed the most successful pace bowling pair in Australian Test history.

The 32-year-old Gillespie played in 71 Tests, took 259 wickets at 26.13 (strike rate 54.9).

He claimed 142 wickets in 97 ODIs at 25.42 (economy rate 4.21). A determined batsman down the order, he had one of the best defensive techniques for a tailender.

Gillespie’s match-saving partnership with Damien Martyn in the Chennai Test of 2004 was a critical factor in Australia conquering the Final Frontier.