AUSTRALIAN cricket ace Jason ‘Dizzy’ Gillespie will bring his cricketing knowledge and wit to the fore in Furness next month.

The former Test and limited overs international – who is currently coaching county champions Yorkshire – will be the guest of honour at a dinner to raise funds for Lindal Moor Cricket Club’s new pavilion project.

Gillespie was a fast bowler who took 259 wickets in 71 Tests at an average of 26.13 – making him Australia’s sixth-highest wicket-taker.

He also proved his worth with the bat, with a highest test score of 201 not out, setting the world record for the highest individual score by a night watchman.

In November 2011, he was named first team coach of Yorkshire and took them from Division Two of the County Championship to consecutive Division One titles.

Following the departure of Peter Moores, he was considered for the England coaching job earlier this year, prior to Trevor Bayliss’ appointment.

Lindal Moor CC chairman Colin Knight spoke of his delight in securing Gillespie’s services, and said: “We know Jason doesn’t do many events in the year and, coming off the back of an Ashes summer, we thought he would be an ideal speaker.

“He’s very high profile at the moment with his success at Yorkshire. He’ll be telling us all about his career and there will be the option to ask him some questions too.”

The event will take place at Barrow’s Lisdoonie Hotel on Friday, November 6. Tickets cost £30 and include a three-course dinner.

Gillespie will be supported on the night by comedian Mike Farrell.

There will also be a raffle and auction with all proceeds going towards Lindal’s new pavilion project.

Construction work on the new pavilion started last month and is hoped to be completed before the 2016 North Lancs and Cumbria League season.

Anyone wanting tickets for the dinner can contact Colin Knight on 07508 870653 or email LindalMoorCC@yahoo.co.uk