Jason Gillespie rules out interest in Australia job

The South Australia and Adelaide Strikers coach will not be attempting to replace Justin Langer following his resignation

Jason Gillespie has become the first significant figure to rule themselves out of replacing Justin Langer as Australia men's head coach.

Langer resigned on Saturday (February 5) after being offered a six-month contract extension ahead of his deal expiring in June.

That proposal came after he helped guide Australia to a maiden men's T20 World Cup and a 4-0 Ashes success over England. Andrew McDonald has been placed in interim charge.

Gillespie, a member of the all-conquering Australia teams captained most notably by Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting while alongside Langer, has put together a strong coaching CV since ending his playing career in 2008.

Currently with South Australia and Adelaide Strikers, the 46-year-old had spells in English county cricket with Yorkshire and Sussex.

But he told reporters: "I am not putting myself up for any job. It's nice to be thought of in that way but it's certainly something I am not even thinking about entertaining."

Upon detailing the reasons behind his resignation, Langer apologised to players for being "too intense" - a characteristic of his management style some of the squad are understood to have raised with Cricket Australia.

^{Gillespie and Langer were part of the all-conquering Australia Test team (Hamish Blair/Getty Images)}

Few current players have come forward to publicly praise Langer with Usman Khawaja and Alex Carey having recently broken rank.

Gillespie has been saddened by the manner of his former teammate's departure after nearly four years at the helm.

"Everyone has been pretty disappointed with how it has all played out - pretty heartbreaking to see, to be honest," Gillespie said. 

"But unfortunately, it is what it is. Justin has handled himself very well, the decision has been made and whatever decision they make, they make.

"But I think everyone is of the opinion that things probably could have been handled better. He is okay. He felt he had something to offer Australian cricket. Cricket Australia felt differently. So move on, that's part and parcel I suppose of being in professional sport and being a coach."

He added: "Justin will go on and do wonderful things that we all know he can. He has done a fine job with Australian cricket the last four years and we all wish him really well because he will succeed in whatever he puts his mind to."

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