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County news

Gillespie eager for Glamorgan start

Cricinfo staff

April 18, 2008

Jason Gillespie is eager to start his Glamorgan career after being granted clearance to play by the ECB following his time in the Indian Cricket League.

Gillespie retired from Australian state cricket and took a contract with the ICL, which put his Glamorgan place under threat until he was one of a group of players cleared last week.

"It was a great relief to me when I heard that I had got the go-ahead from the ECB to play for Glamorgan this season. I can't wait to get started," he told the Western Mail. "I had spoken to a lot of people like Matt Elliott, Mike Kasprowicz and Jimmy Maher, as well as my former state coach Jeff Hammond [also a former Glamorgan coach] and they all said it's a great place to come and play cricket."

Gillespie said the chance to join the Ahmedabad Rockets was too good to refuse and he found his spell in India an enjoyable experience. "The opportunity came to play in the ICL and it was something I couldn't turn down," he said. "I bowled pretty well but unfortunately the team I played for didn't get very far in the tournament.

"The sponsors were over the moon with the ratings, so I think there is a place for both the IPL and ICL in world cricket," he said. "We are all cricket people and I'm sure compromises can be made with regards their places in the fixture list."

Gillespie will make his Glamorgan debut against Middlesex at Lord's, a match that will also see Jamie Dalrymple taking on his former county following his winter move.

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