JASON Gillespie is ready for his final match in charge of Yorkshire at Lord’s today.

The Australian coach brings the curtain down on a glorious five years with the White Rose as the reigning champions take on Middlesex in the Specsavers County Championship.

A win could seal a third straight title, with the gap to leaders Middlesex at nine points.

Third-placed Somerset, who face Nottinghamshire at Taunton, are a point behind Yorkshire and could sneak in through the back door.

Gillespie accepts this week will be strange, but he is relishing the chance of creating history nevertheless.

Gillespie arrived at Yorkshire ahead of the 2012 season with Yorkshire about to embark upon a promotion push in Division Two.

They were at a low ebb, but the legendary former Test bowler has helped to turn things around through his positive brand of coaching, which shone through while looking ahead to this televised fixture.

“I’ve been thinking about it for a little bit, and the time’s right to move on,” he said.

“When your family’s over the other side of the world, it makes the decision a lot easier.

“It was tough because I love this job, but it’s time to move on and do other things.

“Hopefully this club will continue on an upward curve.

“The lads have been brilliant, but everyone has – the supporters, players, support staff, the media. I can’t thank everyone enough.

“I’ve had a great time, and it would be nice to finish on a positive note.

“It’s going to be weird but fun. It’s going to be a fun week regardless because we’re watching cricket and will be involved in a race for a title. I can’t wait.”

Yorkshire have lost on their last two Championship visits to Lord’s, in 2014 and 2015, while Middlesex also beat them at Scarborough earlier this year.

“We have won at Lord’s over the years,” said Gillespie, referring to 2013 when they triumphed by 10 wickets.

“We’ll go down there and work out what we’re going to do, get our game plan right and attack a very good side.

“They’ve played well against us, there’s no doubt, and they’re always cracking contests between us.

“There’s a bit of buzz and excitement about it, as there should be, because it’s a big game.

“There’s no point saying ‘it’s just another game’. It’s not. It’s a big occasion and something to be embraced and enjoyed. May the best team win.

“I’ll be proud of the lads regardless of what happens.”

Gillespie’s next coaching assignment will be with the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash this coming December. After that, he is unsure what the future holds.

But, one thing for certain, he will be watching Yorkshire’s progression with interest and expects them to build on the current period of success.

“Destiny is in their hands,” he added. “These are exciting times for the club. I think this is a real opportunity to put a stamp on this decade.”

The build-up to this match has been far from straightforward given the availability issues surrounding Jonny Bairstow and Adil Rashid.

Yorkshire say Rashid requested to be rested, with Gillespie and captain Andrew Gale both saying they “respect” his decision.

But the England leg-spinner, who released a statement on Twitter yesterday, has come in for widespread criticism from supporters given the magnitude of the fixture.

“Unfortunately I have not travelled because one of my closest family members has been very ill and was recently admitted to hospital,” he said.

“I didn’t feel that I am in a strong enough mental frame of mind to be at my best, although I did make myself available if I was required to play. I felt I could be letting the lads down.

“But, coupled with my personal reasons, I have also had a heavy period of cricket recently for Yorkshire and England, which has been both physically and mentally draining, and it is unfortunate timing.

“Family comes first, and I will be away on England duty this winter with a busy playing schedule.

“I have been in touch with the Yorkshire lads and coaches, and I will be wishing the lads all the best this game. I am desperately hoping we can lift the trophy for a third year in a row.”