Coach Gillespie to leave Yorkshire

The former Aussie pacer joined Yorkshire five years back.

During that period the county suffered just five defeats in 76 Championship fixtures.

Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon has confirmed that the club will not begin their search for a new coach until the conclusion of the 2016 season, with the county’s next match against Hampshire set to begin on Wednesday.

The 41-year-old Australian took over the county club in November 2011, and went on to guide the team to promotion from the second division and back-to-back Championship titles.

Yorkshire have gone out of both limited-overs competitions – the T20 Blast and Royal London Cup – at the semi-final stage over the last two weekends but a hat-trick of County Championship titles remains in view as they sit second in the table, five points behind leaders Middlesex.

The 41-year-old took 259 wickets in 71 Tests for Australia and his Headingley exit could open the door to him assisting Darren Lehmann as the national team’s bowling coach, a role he has always been linked with.

The 31-year-old moved to Headingley in 2013 after he lost his way at his native Durham and was back playing for England within 12 months after four years in the worldwide wilderness.

“One of reasons I moved to Yorkshire is that he was a bowler himself and went through his ups and downs”. I was a bit raw, and struggling with my action.

“I want to make it clear that I am happy in my role with Yorkshire County Cricket Club and Adelaide Strikers”, he said. “With that came confidence and performance”.

“I’m obviously gutted he’s leaving because he was good for me, and good for the team”, said Plunkett, who made his England debut in 2005.

“I like the responsibility I’ve got, I feel comfortable in myself and playing for England”.

Liam Plunkett, the Yorkshire fast bowler who is now on England duty, paid tribute to Gillespie on the eve of today’s third ODI against Pakistan at Trent Bridge. “That would be a nice note to leave on”.