Gillispie to step down as head coach of Adelaide Strikers and South Australia

Jason Gillispie is set to bow out from his role with the South Australia Cricket Association as the head coach of South Australia and Adelaide Strikers at the end of June, as per a statement by the association on Thursday. The update comes nearly a month after Tim Nielson, general manager- cricket, announced his decision to retire from the position at the end of the season. 

"I am incredibly proud of what we achieved together at the SACA, and I will always cherish those memories. I have no doubt that South Australian cricket has a bright future," Gillespie said in a SACA statement. "I would like to thank everyone for their support during my time with the Strikers and Redbacks, it has been a true team effort. To be able to play and coach in my home State has been a wonderful experience, something I feel honoured to have achieved.

"Looking forward, I am excited to explore new opportunities in the sport and pursue the next chapter in my career."

The update came following the end of a dismal season for South Australia, who finished next to bottom at fifth in the Sheffield Shield table. However, Strikers, advanced through the playoff of the Aus T20 League, edged past Perth Scorchers in the Knockouts, before losing to eventual champions Brisbane Heat in the Challenger.

Gillespie took over the head coach role for the Strikers ahead of the 2015-2016 Aus T20 League season, leading the side for nine seasons. They clinched the title in 2017-2018 season, which is also their only title victory in the competition. The men in blue also made the playoffs on four more occasions under his reign. He then returned to South Australia full-time ahead of the 2020-2021 summer, taking the command of Redbacks. 

Both as a player and a coach, Jason has always represented South Australia with passion and positivity," SACA president Will Rayner said. "We are extremely grateful for the dedication he has shown to South Australian cricket over a remarkably long period of time. He has been a genuine leader both on and off the field and we wish him every success in the future.

"He will always be considered as one of the legends of South Australian cricket."