Fast bowler says he's not 'washed up'

Buchanan and Gillespie make Ashes points

Cricinfo staff

September 15, 2005

Jason Gillespie had a dreadful Ashes tour © Getty Images

John Buchanan touched down in Brisbane and immediately said changes were "needed in a whole range of things" while Jason Gillespie insisted in Adelaide that his career wasn't over. As the reality of a 2-1 series defeat set in, Buchanan said he was keen to continue as Australia's coach, a position he has held since 1999, when his contract expires next month.

"Everything has to be reviewed," he told AAP at Brisbane airport. "There's no doubt about that. Success or non-success, you're always trying to work out how you can improve things. I think it's pretty obvious changes are needed in a whole range of things."

Buchanan predicted a positive response to the first Ashes loss since 1986-87, but did not answer questions about criticism of himself and Ricky Ponting. "If you win, as we see with England, there are lots of tumultuous celebrations and accolades," he said. "If you lose, everyone looks for reasons why."

Gillespie said he and Michael Kasprowicz, who landed in Brisbane with Buchanan, were not "washed up" after disappointing campaigns in England. "Both of us probably didn't have the best tours we could possibly have, but we'll be fine, you don't lose your skills overnight contrary to what some think," he said. "Journalists have come out and said all of a sudden Kasper and I are washed up, which I find pretty astounding actually."

After averaging 100 runs a wicket in three Tests, Gillespie was obviously disappointed to read that his career was apparently over. "But I'm not finished yet," he said.

Shaun Tait, who replaced Gillespie at Trent Bridge, said he felt he belonged at Test level after playing two matches and taking five wickets. "I got chucked into the hot seat and straight into the middle of it which was probably a good learning curve," he said. "I'm glad they did chuck me in at that stage. I wasn't overly happy with my performance, but I know it can get better."

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