Gillespie signing a massive coup for county

Kent head coach Matt Walker says the arrival of Jason Gillespie as his assistant is a massive coup. The former Australia fast bowler and ex-Yorkshire coach has agreed an interim role at the club as Allan Donald’s arrival has been held up due to visa issues. South Africa pace legend Donald was named as assistant to Walker in January but won’t be granted a visa to coach in England until he meets the ECB criteria of a Level 3 coaching qualification. Gillespie, 41, arrived ahead of Kent’s threeday First Class game against Leeds/Bradford MCCU which started on Tuesday at Canterbury. Walker said: “We’re lucky. To get Jason on board is a brilliant coup for us. He was a fantastic player, who played in a successful Australian side but also a successful coach. “To have an experienced ex-head coach come into our ranks is brilliant for me and the lads. “His bowling expertise are like-for-like with Allan. We were lucky. It was obviously a late call to try and get somebody in at short notice. He’s available to do it and we are excited to have him on board.” Gillespie left Headingley last year after guiding the White Rose county to two County Championship crowns since his arrival in 2012. He returned to Australia and coached the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash T20 competition this winter. However, he was available for short-term coaching roles during the close-season Down Under, which fits Kent’s opening. Gillespie said: “I am looking forward to joining Kent. “I moved back to Adelaide for family reasons last year but the opportunity to assist Kent on a short-term basis was one that I couldn’t resist and works well with my current situation. “I look forward to helping Matt Walker and Sam Northeast over the next couple of months until I hand over the reins to Allan Donald.” Walker added: “We’ve got coaching staff that have been around a bit. To have someone coming from the outside is always healthy, it’s a new set of ideas, a fresh voice.” Kent face Surrey in a two-day friendly starting on Sunday at Canterbury.