LANCASHIRE League batsmen have been delivered a chilling warning ahead of the new season: 'Jason Gillespie is on the warpath'.

Former Ribblesdale League player Casey Tanner still bears the bruises from a face-to-face confrontation with Rishton's new professional when his team, Woodville, played Gillespie's Adelaide recently in the West End Cup in Australia.

And he revealed that the Aussie Test star cannot wait to come to England and begin terrorising batsmen in the Lancashire League this summer.

"Lancashire League batsmen will be amazed at how quick 'Dizzy' is," said Tanner, who had a spell with Cherry Tree as overseas amateur in 1993.

"When I played against him recently, he bowled first change off his long run on a slow wicket and he was impossible to play.

"He plans to bowl off a shorter run up when he comes to England, but I can assure you that doesn't make him any slower.

"He can still generate amazing pace.

"And I think he will scare the living daylights out of your lads this summer."

Gillespie is currently on the comeback trail after breaking his leg in an accidental collision with Australian captain Steve Waugh during the winter. But Tanner has quashed mounting speculation from England that he has suffered a set-back in his recovery.

"When we played against Jason he certainly didn't break down.

"In fact, he bowled some real rockets and dismissed me LBW the ball after he had smashed my fingers to pieces.

"We then had a few beers after the match and he told me how keen he is to get to Rishton."

Gillespie intially made his comeback as a batsman for Adelaide's 'C' grade team.

But he has since played three times for the 'A' grade side, which also includes Colne pro Ben Johnson and former Lowerhouse paid man Cameron Williamson, claiming 1-18 against Woodville, 2-21 against Kensington and 3-59 against Northern Districts.

His whole attitude and commitment impressed Tanner.

And he believes Gillespie, who also played in a state one-day game at the weekend, will be a big hit when he arrives in England at the start of the summer.

"Not many Australian players would start their comeback at 'C' grade level," said Tanner.

"But Jason is truly a great bloke who has a lot of pride in the club he plays for."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.