Cricket: Gillespie targets Glamorgan debut

Apr 11 2008 by Gareth Griffiths, Western Mail

AUSTRALIAN paceman Jason Gillespie is set to jet into Wales next week after finally being given the go-ahead to become Glamorgan’s overseas player this summer.

He has the backing of the England and Wales Cricket Board after they approved his registration for the coming season, despite his involvement with the unsanctioned Indian Cricket League.

Gillespie, right, who was first unveiled by the Dragons in January, will miss the start of the first-class season when Glamorgan travel to face the students of Oxford UCCE next Wednesday.

But the man they call Dizzy is being lined up to make his debut in the Liverpool Victoria county championship Division Two clash against Middlesex at Lord’s which starts on April 23.

“We’re delighted that this matter has now been resolved and that Jason has been cleared to play for us,” said chief executive Mike Fatkin.

“We appreciate the ECB has been in a very difficult position with a number of registration applications and, while we’ve had to be patient, we understand that they’ve had a number of challenges to deal with.

“But we can now look forward to getting Jason over here. We are aiming to do that by the end of next week in time for him hopefully to make his debut for us against Middlesex at Lord’s.”

The ECB board met on Wednesday and also accepted the registrations of fellow overseas players Hamish Marshall, Shane Bond, Saqlain Mushtaq, Boyd Rankin, Johann Louw, Alfonso Thomas, Dominic Telo, Ryan Harris and Pedro Collins, but Wavell Hinds, Johan van der Wath, Andrew Hall and Justin Kemp’s cases were all rejected.

Glamorgan cricket manager Matthew Maynard, who can now count Gillespie as his fourth signing since taking over the job alongside Jamie Dalrymple, Matthew Wood and Adam Shantry, believes the Aussie ace will become a major influence on the Welsh county as they look to a revival.

“We are all absolutely delighted by the news,” said Maynard.

“I’m very pleased that we will have such a proven performer with a wealth of experience, both at county and international level, playing for Glamorgan this summer.

“I’m sure that all of our squad will benefit from Jason’s experience and knowledge of the game.

“I’m really looking forward to welcoming him, and working with him throughout the summer.”

Minus their new recruit, Glamorgan travelled to Taunton yesterday to face Somerset in a two-day friendly.

The home side scored 223 for four in 52 overs before rain intervened and stopped play.

Robert Croft celebrated his return to the team after being left out of the one-day side to face Sussex last week with a wicket while Ryan Watkins picked up two victims.