Former Australian fast bowler Jason Neil Gillespie turns 50 today (April 19). Gillespie is regarded as one of Australia's greatest fast bowlers. He predominantly played during a period when the Australian team dominated world cricket. Alongside Brett Lee and Glenn McGrath, Gillespie formed a formidable pace trio that was a tough challenge for any batsman.
A Record-Breaking Birthday Batting Performance
Right-handed bowler Jason Gillespie not only terrorized with the ball in international cricket but also achieved a dazzling batting milestone. He set this record in his final Test, remaining unbeaten, with no one able to surpass it since. Gillespie struck a double century against Bangladesh, becoming the first cricketer in the world to ever score a double century as a nightwatchman in Test cricket. What makes it even more special is that Gillespie completed this on his 31st birthday, creating a memorable moment for him.
Source: aajtak
The match was played in Chittagong from April 16-20 in 2006. A rain-affected game saw Bangladesh win the toss and opt to bat first, but they were bowled out for 197 in their first innings. Australia's batting began next, and just before the end of the first day's play (April 16), Australia lost Matthew Hayden (29 runs). With only a few overs left, Australian captain Ricky Ponting sent Jason Gillespie as a nightwatchman at number three.
Captain Ricky Ponting's decision proved to be spot-on as Jason Gillespie excelled, playing valiantly against the host bowlers and scoring an unbeaten 201 off 425 balls. He hit 26 fours and 2 sixes in this innings. Michael Hussey provided excellent support and together they formed a 320-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Hussey scored 182 off 201 balls, hitting 21 fours and a six. Thanks to Gillespie and Hussey, Australia declared its first innings at a dominating 581 for 4. Bangladesh, in turn, scored 304 in their second innings, resulting in a loss by an innings and 80 runs.
Coaching Ventures and IPL Connection
Unfortunately, after that historic innings, Jason Gillespie never played again for Australia. Injuries also played a part in impacting his career. He announced his retirement in 2008 and then embarked on a coaching career. Gillespie was head coach of the Pakistan Test cricket team until recently. He has also coached teams like Yorkshire, South Australia, Sussex, Adelaide Strikers, and the Papua New Guinea team. Furthermore, he has served as the bowling coach for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Source: aajtak
Gillespie's Impressive International Record
Jason Gillespie had a decade-long international career (1996-2006) with Australia, participating in 71 Tests, 97 ODIs, and 1 T20 International match. In Test matches, he took 259 wickets at an average of 26.13, capturing five or more wickets in an innings eight times. On the batting front, Gillespie scored 1218 runs in Test cricket at an average of 18.73, including one century and two half-centuries.
In ODIs, Gillespie claimed 142 wickets at an average of 25.42, securing five wickets in an innings thrice, and four wickets on three occasions. Additionally, he contributed 289 runs with the bat. In T20 International, he took one wicket and scored 24 runs.
