Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie is set to make an appearance in Coleambally. Photo: File.
The small Riverina town of Coleambally is set to host one of Australia’s best-ever pace bowlers, Jason Gillespie, for a night of trivia and drinks.
The first Indigenous cricketer to represent Australia internationally is set to visit the Brolga Hotel on Wednesday 4 February as a guest of the Coleambally Cricket Club and will lead a meet and greet for cricket lovers.
Gillespie played more than 70 Tests for Australia and took more than 400 wickets in his international career across all formats.
Most memorably, Gillespie is known for his strange yet incredible innings against Bangladesh in 2006, when he came in as a nightwatchman and scored 201 not out.
More recently, Gillespie has served as the coach of the South Australian cricket team and the Adelaide Strikers, as well as the head coach of the Pakistan national team.
Gillespie’s visit to Coleambally has surprised many locals, who are thankful the high-profile star is making the effort to visit.
In recent times, the town of just over 1000 has lost its post office and its only bank.
Colleambally Cricket Club president Shawn Iddles said the club and town were happy to receive the news that he was up for a visit.
“We had a representative from a company called Mouse Productions ask if we would be happy to have Jason down for a night,” Mr Iddles said.
“At first, we thought it was a bit of a joke. We haven’t had someone as popular as Jason visit for 15 years, the last being Jeff Thompson back in 2010/11.
“There are a lot of people really eager to ask Jason a few questions about his time playing and coaching; we’re all pretty excited to have him come and visit.”
Mr Iddles admitted there were a few run-starved local cricketers who would be keen to ask Mr Gillespie how to properly hold the bat.
“There have been a few boys who haven’t quite scored as many runs as they would have liked to this season.
“Maybe Jason can show them how to hold a bat – he did score 200 not out,” Mr Iddles joked.
Mr Gillespie will visit the popular Brolga Hotel.
While it is a paid event, the money raised will go towards the town’s cricket team.
“We’re encouraging people from all around to come visit. It’s not every day you have an international cricketer come to town,” Mr Iddles said.
“Its $40 for adults and free for kids. People can purchase tickets at the Brolga Hotel Facebook page, or they can show up on the night.
“We’d love to see as many people attend as possible; it’s a pretty big deal for a pretty small town.”
The Jason Gillespie event takes place at the Brolga Hotel, 2 Brolga Pl at 7:15 pm on Wednesday 4 February. Tickets for the event can be purchased online.
