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Jason Gillespie, Australia’s only male Aboriginal test cricketer, talked about why education and frank discussions are the key to promoting opportunities for others to follow in his footsteps.
On November 29, 1996, Jason Gillespie ended Australia’s 119-year wait. The first native male cricket player.
A quarter of a century later, among the 458 male cricketers playing cricket for Australia, Only Gillespie has an indigenous heritage.
From his debut on the loose greens against the West Indies on SCG, the tall and lanky fast bowler participated in 71 tests and became a terrifying vanguard for the Australian team that dominated international cricket. He is currently the coach of the South Australia team.
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During his ten years of representing Australia, “Dizzy” scored 259 test wickets, and his unbeaten 201 against Bangladesh is the highest score of an international cricket watchman.
The 46-year-old talked about his father’s batting advice not to let abuse affect him, and why no one wants to give alms.
My indigenous heritage is …Kamilaroi from New South Wales. This is who we are as a family and people. This means that we are part of the oldest continuous culture on earth. This is what we cherish.
My strangest superstition is … I used to have a lot of superstitions, and for a while I had a problem with the number 13, which became very disgusting because I could count the stairs and miss the 13th step. If I hand my jump shot to the referee, I will make sure that step 13 is not the one I handed it over. This is nonsense and is related to the fact that I have suffered many injuries, so when I am healthy, I want to continue to do the little things that seem to work for me.
Most people don’t know …I like trivia. I have been able to name a humble capital city like Windhoek, the capital of Namibia.
Best advice i got …My late father never really played cricket, but he taught me how to hit the ball. He used to say that if the ball hits the stump beautifully and straight, give himself a chance not to go out. So I just blocked it. I also like the phrase “treat others like others”.
My earliest memory is …I have a vague memory of a fire in my house when I was about three years old. I remember the smoke and loud noises. It didn’t take long before we got to the street. Years later, my mother told me that even if the curtains turn black, it is not too serious.
A common misunderstanding about me is …When people know me after seeing me playing, they often say “Oh, you are much taller than I thought.” I do not know why. Glenn McGrath and I are about the same height, but everyone thinks he is tall.
When my police abused me …It depends on my mood. Everyone can take a day off. In general, I laughed it off because it reflected that person more than you. If I said that I didn’t hear what made me end, but you don’t want people to be satisfied, I would lie, would I?
When people see me, I hope they will think …I am a person who is passionate about what they do.
Family means … everything.
The words or sentences that I use too much are …Have you heard that I took the double hundred exam?
My sports hero is …It has changed over the years, but it is difficult to surpass DK Lillee. In 1981, when I was about six years old, I started playing cricket, and looking at Lillee I just thought,’Oh, this looks interesting. I want to do it.
Highlights of my career …I have had some good times. When we beat India in 2004 in India, it was really special considering how long it took us to beat them there (since 1969) and how we did it. We implemented the plan and took away the spoils. We had a game plan. We had to let go of our conceit and bowl on the stump in a way we were not used to, but it worked and everyone did their job.
I will give advice to my teenage self …Don’t be impulsive. Take a deep breath and make sure you have all the information.
Become the indigenous athletes of today ……dramatic change. There is a consciousness. There is more recognition and respect. There are many social changes and acceptances. This is an ongoing process in our society. It is important to keep education and discussions going. I know Cricket Australia really wants to show that they are listening.
Encounter racism or unconscious prejudice … No, I don’t, but I remember my father’s reaction when I was expelled from Australia and he worked for Indigenous legal rights. He said to me,’You are excluded because of who you are’. I had to calm him down and say,’Dad, I have to be honest…Did you see me bowling? Have you read my numbers? I have reached the top. I have not evolved. This has nothing to do with race. People don’t look at me. The first thing they think of is “he is an indigenous cricketer”.
The key priorities needed to improve the competition and leadership opportunities for the next generation of Indigenous athletes are …Awareness and opportunity are the key. I don’t think anyone wants to give alms or gifts to them.
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