200 Not Out! Superfan Luke ‘Sparrow’ Gillian Celebrates THIS Milestone with Australian Cricket Team Ahead of Ashes 2019 Second Test Match (View Pic)
Luke ‘Sparrow’ Gillian will be attending his 200th match when Australia face England in the second Ashes 2019 Test at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on August 14, 2019 (Wednesday). Gillian has been one of the Australia cricket team’s most ardent fans and has been following the Baggy Greens for the last 25 years.
Luke ‘Sparrow’ Gillian will be attending his 200th match when Australia face England in the second Ashes 2019 Test at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London on August 14, 2019 (Wednesday). Gillian has been one of the Australia cricket team’s most ardent fans and has been following the Baggy Greens for the last 25 years. He couldn’t have celebrated his milestone better than cutting a cake with the Australia men’s national cricket team on the eve of their second Ashes Test at Lord’s. Aussie opening batsman David Warner even paid a tribute to Gillian and thanked him for his arduous support. Ashes 2019, 2nd Test Match Preview: England Eye Comeback at the ‘Mecca of Cricket’ Against Australia.
Gillian on Tuesday was pictured standing in the middle of the entire Australian men’s cricket team with three cakes that together read “200” placed on a table in front of them. Gillian was also presented with an autographed Australian Test jersey for the milestone he had achieved as a die-hard cricket fan. Gillian will be attending his 200th official matches with the Australia cricket team when they walk at Lord’s for the second Test against England. Australia currently leads the five-match Ashes Test series 1-0 having thrashed hosts England by 251 runs in the opening Test at Edgbaston.
David Warner Thanks Luke "Sparrow" Gillian
Warner also paid his tribute to Gillian, thanking him for his “incredible effort to follow” the team through thick and happy moments for the last 25 years. “He’s seen our highs and our lows but his support has never wavered. Thanks to you Lukey and to all of you who back us. Your support really does give us a lift whether it’s at the ground, through the messages we receive on social media or the people who come up to us to wish us all the best,” said Warner in a post on social media.
Meanwhile, Australia are defending the Ashes trophy having claimed it last season when they thrashed England 4-0 at home. Led by Steve Smith's record centuries in both the innings - only fifth Australian to do it in Ashes - and Nathan Lyon's match-winning 6-wicket haul in the second essay, Australia beat England. Smith is currently levelled with former Aussie great Steve Waugh on 10 Ashes centuries. Sir Don Bradman leads the charts with 19 centuries.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 13, 2019 09:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).