Jason Gillespie, affectionately known as “Dizzy,” is a former Australian cricketer who has made a significant impact on the sport both as a player and coach.
His journey from a fast bowler to a respected coach has been marked by numerous achievements and challenges. Let’s delve into the life and career of this cricket icon.
Jason Gillespie’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jason Neil Gillespie |
| Nickname | Dizzy |
| Born | April 19, 1975 |
| Age | 49 years |
| College | Cabra Dominican College, Adelaide |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.95 m) |
| Turned Pro | 1995 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $5 million |
| Spouse | Anna Gillespie (née McEvoy) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
Jason Gillespie is a descendant of the Kamilaroi people on his father’s side, making him the first acknowledged Aboriginal male to become a Test cricketer for Australia.
His mother has Greek heritage, and Jason is the eldest of three children.
Early Career
Jason Gillespie’s cricketing journey began in his hometown of Adelaide, South Australia. He showed promise from a young age, quickly rising through the ranks of junior cricket.
Gillespie’s talent was recognized early, and he was awarded an AIS Australian Cricket Academy scholarship in 1995. This opportunity provided him with the perfect platform to hone his skills and prepare for the rigors of professional cricket.
His exceptional performances in domestic cricket for South Australia caught the attention of national selectors, paving the way for his international debut.
Professional Career
Jason Gillespie made his international debut for Australia in 1996, quickly establishing himself as a key member of the formidable Australian bowling attack.
Known for his pace, accuracy, and ability to extract bounce from any surface, Gillespie formed a lethal partnership with Glenn McGrath. Throughout his career, he played 71 Test matches and 97 One Day Internationals for Australia.
Gillespie’s most memorable performance came in his final Test match in 2006, where he scored an unbeaten 201 as a nightwatchman against Bangladesh – the highest score by a nightwatchman in Test cricket.
Despite battling numerous injuries throughout his career, Gillespie managed to take 259 Test wickets at an impressive average of 26.13, making him Australia’s sixth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket at the time of his retirement.
Wife
Jason Gillespie is married to Anna Gillespie (née McEvoy). The couple tied the knot in 2003 and have since built a strong family life together.
They are parents to 4 children: Jackson, Brandon, Kingston, and Delaney. Gillespie also has a daughter, Sapphire, from a previous relationship.
Jason Gillespie’s Net Worth Details
Jason Gillespie’s net worth is estimated to be $5 million as of 2025. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful cricket career, coaching roles, and various endorsements.
Contract
He recently resigned from his position as the head coach of Pakistan’s Test team in December 2024, citing communication issues with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Prior to this, he had signed a two-year contract with the PCB in April 2024, which was prematurely terminated.
Career Earnings
| Year | Earnings (Estimated) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1996-2006 | $3 million | Playing career (International cricket) |
| 2007-2011 | $500,000 | Indian Cricket League and coaching roles |
| 2012-2018 | $2 million | Coaching Yorkshire and Adelaide Strikers |
| 2019-2024 | $1.5 million | Various coaching roles and commentary |
| 2024-2025 | $500,000 | Pakistan Cricket Board coaching contract |
Endorsements
- Kookaburra Cricket (cricket equipment).
- Asics (sportswear).
- Channel 9 (commentary and analysis).
- Yorkshire Tea (during his coaching stint with Yorkshire).
Career Stats
| Opponent | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling (Innings) | Best Bowling (Match) | Average | 5-Wicket Hauls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 4 | 19 | 4/38 | 7/95 | 13.68 | 0 |
| England | 18 | 65 | 7/37 | 9/102 | 29.03 | 3 |
| India | 10 | 43 | 5/56 | 9/80 | 25.44 | 1 |
| New Zealand | 8 | 26 | 3/37 | 5/78 | 31.42 | 0 |
| Pakistan | 4 | 10 | 3/77 | 5/92 | 37.50 | 0 |
| South Africa | 7 | 24 | 5/54 | 8/103 | 27.25 | 1 |
| Sri Lanka | 6 | 17 | 4/76 | 5/101 | 33.47 | 0 |
| West Indies | 13 | 50 | 6/40 | 9/88 | 21.12 | 3 |
| Zimbabwe | 1 | 5 | 3/52 | 5/58 | 11.60 | 0 |
FAQs
1. What is Jason Gillespie’s most memorable achievement as a player?
Jason Gillespie’s most memorable achievement as a player was scoring an unbeaten 201 as a nightwatchman against Bangladesh in 2006, which remains the highest score by a nightwatchman in Test cricket.
2. How successful was Jason Gillespie as a coach for Yorkshire County Cricket Club?
Jason Gillespie was highly successful as Yorkshire’s coach, leading the team to promotion to Division One in his first season and then guiding them to back-to-back County Championship titles in 2014 and 2015.
3. What is Jason Gillespie’s coaching philosophy?
Gillespie’s coaching philosophy emphasizes enjoying the game while maintaining a strong work ethic. He focuses on nurturing young talent and creating a positive team culture.
4. Has Jason Gillespie coached any international teams?
Yes, Jason Gillespie was appointed as the head coach of Pakistan’s Test team in April 2024, but resigned from the position in December 2024 due to communication issues with the Pakistan Cricket Board.
5. What is Jason Gillespie’s heritage?
Jason Gillespie is of mixed heritage. He is a descendant of the Kamilaroi people on his father’s side, making him the first acknowledged Aboriginal male to play Test cricket for Australia. His mother has Greek heritage.
6. How many children does Jason Gillespie have?
Jason Gillespie has five children in total. He has four children with his wife Anna: Jackson, Brandon, Kingston, and Delaney. He also has a daughter named Sapphire from a previous relationship.
7. What is Jason Gillespie’s nickname and why was he given it?
Jason Gillespie’s nickname is “Dizzy.” The origin of this nickname is not widely known, but it’s a common nickname in Australian sports culture.
8. Has Jason Gillespie worked in cricket commentary?
Yes, Jason Gillespie has worked as a commentator and analyst for various cricket broadcasts, providing insights particularly in the area of fast bowling.
9. What was Jason Gillespie’s bowling style?
Jason Gillespie was a right-arm fast bowler known for his pace, accuracy, and ability to extract bounce from any surface.
10. How tall is Jason Gillespie?
Jason Gillespie is 6 feet 5 inches (1.95 meters) tall, which contributed to his effectiveness as a fast bowler due to the extra bounce he could generate.
