University honour salutes the cricketing nous of SA favourite Jason Gillespie

HONORARY doctorate of sports science — not bad for a bloke known as “Dizzy”. Or should that be “Dr Dizzy” after a university announced it would honour SA cricketing great Jason Gillespie?

And we thought those one-day cricket outfits were colourful! Jason Gillespie decked out to receive his honorary degree. Picture: Leeds Beckett University.

HONORARY doctorate of sports science — not bad for a bloke known as “Dizzy”.

Adelaide Strikers coach, Redbacks legend and Australian Test great Jason Gillespie is to be awarded an honorary degree from Leeds Beckett University.

It comes after Gillespie led Yorkshire to its second consecutive County Championships last season.

He also took the Strikers to top of the Big Back League table before they lost to eventual champion Sydney Thunder in the semi-finals.

Gillespie took 402 wickets for Australia in all forms of international cricket, including 259 in 71 Tests.

As he prepares to take up his doctorate late this month, Gillespie could well argue to have had a hand in the education of not only a great many batsmen but also Bangladesh’s bowlers.

He delivered a batting masterclass when he scored 201 not out as a nightwatchman in his final Test in 2006.

Gillespie followed that with an unbeaten 123 a year later while playing for Yorkshire against Surrey in a County Championship match.

He and former England player Tim Bresnan put on Yorkshire’s record ninth-wicket partnership — 246.

Leeds Beckett University Chancellor, Sir Bob Murray CBE, said: “In recent years Yorkshire have enjoyed stellar success, winning back-to-back County Championships with style.

“Jason has been at the heart of this success, instilling confidence and belief into his side and ensuring that nothing is left to chance.

“It is a privilege for us to recognise the contribution Jason ... has brought, and continues to bring, to sport at both a regional and international level.”