Former Australian Test cricket trio could be the answer to South Australia’s longtime Sheffield Shield woes

Former Australian Test players Jason Gillespie, Ryan Harris and Chris Rogers loom as the dream team to jump-start South Australia’s cricket resurgence, following the departure of its head coach.

22/1/16 - Strikers coach Jason Gillespie speaking of the disappointment of being knocked out of the Big Bash - pic Mike Burton

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Jason Gillespie and Ryan Harris top the dream team to steer South Australia’s once in a generation cricket system overhaul.

Either former Test opener Chris Rogers or Jeff Vaughan will be called on as batting experts, boasting rave reviews across the industry in a win-win situation for a side that has perennially struggled at the crease.

Harris would embrace a senior lieutenant homecoming to Gillespie as head coach 12 years after leaving Adelaide to launch an impressive 27-Test career in Queensland.

“I wouldn’t be looking to be head coach, but if Dizzy did take it and was interested in choosing his own staff it is something I would be looking at,” Harris told The Advertiser.

“I am happy doing what I am doing, but it would be exciting.”

There is pending change to Cricket Australia’s National High Performance set-up that has Harris and Rogers coaching its elite juniors.

A thirst to enter the state system as senior assistants make any vacancies in SA’s program attractive.

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Jamie Siddons has stepped down as Redbacks head coach...

... with Jason Gillespie tipped as his likely replacement.

“The lifestyle suits in Brisbane, but if the time is right I would come back to Adelaide, it is where our friends and family are,” said Harris, who coached alongside Darren Lehmann with Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League last season.

“Chris Rogers has a passion for development.

“We have worked well together.”

It’s understood Greg Blewett doesn’t wish to continue as state batting mentor, while Jamie Siddons this month stepped down as Redbacks coach.

Bowling coach Luke Butterworth has done a solid job, but significant change is underway at Adelaide Oval as SACA grapples with eight wooden spoons in 11 seasons and a need to develop home grown talent.

Few are capable in the modern age of aligning Twenty20, one-day and first-class roles. Gillespie has title-winning pedigree at Yorkshire and the Strikers, backed by a proven record of turning out international players from Joe Root to Jonny Bairstow.

Gillespie would have to be excused from the final two years of his Sussex deal, but the 2020 County season is in doubt due to COVID-19, which could smooth an exit.

SACA will assemble a coaching structure within the next two weeks.

Ryan Harris and Chris Rogers during the second Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval in 2013. Picture: Calum Robertson

Rogers is regarded as a brilliant cricket mind who has mentored each state’s best batting talent over the past 18 months, including SA’s Jake Weatherald.

Twins Thomas and Corey Kelly, leading run scorer at the national under-17 championships Isaac Higgins, Kyle Brazell and 194cm all-rounder Liam Scott have caught Rogers’ eye and must be fast tracked in any Redbacks renaissance.

Rogers’ focus on superior technique generated 25,470 first class runs, 76 tons and a Test average of 49.5, which would make an invaluable resource.

“Dizzy has been involved for a while now. Ryan and I have had some pretty good experiences over the past few years,” said Rogers, who could also consider a head or assistant role with Victoria.

“There is a lot of mutual respect between us.

“I think it would be a brilliant program to be involved with.”

Vaughan spent six years as Redbacks batting coach where he oversaw the rise of Travis Head. Vaughan joined Tasmania during 2017 as a batting coach and Matthew Wade credited his recall as a specialist Test batsman with the former South Australian batsman’s guidance.

Originally published as Former Australian Test cricket trio could be the answer to South Australia’s longtime Sheffield Shield woes