Jason Gillespie’s SA Redbacks use Darwin as launching pad ahead of Sheffield Shield

The Top End has provided the ‘perfect’ launching pad for the South Australian cricket team as it looks to win it’s first Sheffield Shield title since 1996.

After three seasons of gradual improvement, the SA Redbacks are “hunting trophies” this summer through improved skill and internal communication, head coach Jason Gillespie says.

Gillespie, currently in Darwin for a pre-season camp - including training sessions and two warm up matches at DXC Arena - is confident his squad can break a 27-year Sheffield Shield title drought in 2023/24.

The Redbacks have added Victorian batter Jake Fraser-McGurk while former champion Test bowler Ryan Harris has come on board as an assistant coach.

Gillespie comes into his fourth year in charge with results showing a gradual ascension in performance: the Redbacks finished fourth on the Shield table last summer after consecutive bottom finishes which yielded just one win in total.

Redbacks bowler Wes Agar with coach Jason Gillespie in Darwin. Picture: NT Cricket.

Equally, the Redbacks made the Marsh Cup final in 22/23 following second last and bottom placings.

“We’re certainly hunting trophies, that’s for sure,” Gillespie said.

“Our big focus is on making sure communication is a big buzz word for us this pre-season and this season.

“How we can best nail our communication with everyone.”

Meanwhile, he said England’s recent success could see its “Bazball” methodology filter into the Shield system, but flexibility and an ability to adapt and play the game situation remained key in 23/24.

“Everyone plays their way. (Bazball) may filter in, only time will tell,” he said.

“When it works it goes really well, but when it doesn’t it can look a bit ugly.”

He said he encouraged his players to be “fearless not reckless” with their approach.

“It’s about playing the game and playing what’s in front of you,” he said.

“We encourage our players to play with freedom and look to be positive.”

Former champion test bowler Ryan Harris has linked up with the Redbacks as an assistant coach. Picture: Julian Herbert/Getty Images

Meanwhile, the Redbacks have tweaked their pre-season approach compared to the last two years.

Previous preparations put away the bats and balls with a focus on communication through “connection camps” and team bonding exercises.

And there will be plenty of familiarity within its ranks up in Darwin.

Not only does Gillespie have links to the NT since the mid-1990s – he also played in Darwin’s two Test matches in 2003 and 04 - but squad members Wes Agar, Henry Hunt, Lloyd Pope, Isaac Higgins and Kyle Brazzel have previously played up north.

Gillespie said there were a number of options to hold pre-season but Darwin “ticked all the boxes” with excellent weather, facilities and support from NT Cricket.

“We’ve basically had a run of the show here, the facilities have been elite,” he said.

“I have wonderful memories of coming up here for pre-season. It was really useful.

“The location is perfect for what we need for pre-season.”

Lloyd Pope is among the SA Redbacks’ squad members who has played in the NT. Picture: Darwin & Districts Cricket Competition.

Meanwhile, Gillespie said Harris was a “natural coach” who has fitted into the Redbacks fold seamlessly, impressing with his enthusiasm while giving his bowling cohort a lift.

“The lads have really enjoyed what he’s brought to the table,” he said.

“He’s very clear in his thinking on how he wants our bowlers to go about their work.”

Veteran Redback Jake Lehmann will lead the team in the absence of Test star Travis Head, after opener Henry Hunt stepped down from the job last February, while Nathan McSweeney will be vice-captain.

He also said the rise of SA quick Spencer Johnson, going from several summers on the sidelines with injury to being in the frame for an Ashes debut, was a “great story”.

“People forget he’s had a lot of time out with injury,” he said.

“It’s great to see him get rewarded for all his hard work and effort.”

Originally published as Jason Gillespie’s SA Redbacks use Darwin as launching pad ahead of Sheffield Shield