Jason Gillespie named as Australian Twenty20 assistant coach

Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie has been named as assistant coach for Australia's Twenty20 campaign against Sri Lanka in February.

Gillespie, 41, will be Justin Langer's deputy for the three-match series, to be staged at the MCG (February 17), Geelong (February 19) and Adelaide (February 22).

Popularly known as "Dizzy" in cricket circles, Gillespie is currently the coach of the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League and has just finished a successful stint as coach of English county side Yorkshire.

He was also in the running to be Australia's fast-bowling coach, a role won by David Saker.

Langer and Gillespie will oversee the T20 series, while Australia's Test squad, under coach Darren Lehmann and captain Steve Smith, will be in India preparing for the four Tests.

Gillespie played 71 Tests for Australia, claiming 259 wickets at 26.13, and 1218 runs at 18.73, including an unbeaten double century against Bangladesh. He was also a regular selection in the one-day side during his prime.

He described the opportunity to be with the Australian team as a coach as very exciting, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.

He said he was looking to interactions with Chief Coach Justin Langer and the cricket squad.