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Former Australian Spin Star Escapes Jail Time; Gets Punished For Cocaine Supply

Soumyajit Dutta

Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill [Source: @NavalGeekSingh/X]Shane Warne and Stuart MacGill [Source: @NavalGeekSingh/X]

Former Australian Test bowler Stuart MacGill received a community service order on Friday after being convicted of involvement in a 2021 cocaine supply operation. The Downing Centre District Court sentenced him to a one-year, 10-month intensive corrections order, mandating 495 hours of community service and regular drug testing. 

Why Stuart MacGill Was Sentenced in Cocaine Supply Operation?

MacGill, 54, facilitated a deal between his dealer and brother-in-law but was cleared of large-scale trafficking. The case followed a violent 2021 kidnapping where Stuart MacGill was abducted, assaulted, and threatened over a drug debt. He reported the incident days later but denied involvement in the transaction until his 2023 arrest.

Judge Nicole Noman emphasized his critical role in the deal, stating, “His role was essential to bring the parties together… The offender’s colossal lapse of judgment has been causative of a very public fall from grace.”

MacGill's Stellar Career

MacGill, who played 44 Tests between 1998–2008, took 208 wickets but remained overshadowed by spin legend Shane Warne. Renowned for his exceptional strike rate and skill, MacGill carved out a distinguished career. He bowled at an average of 29.02 in Tests, with a remarkable strike rate of 54 balls per wicket.

MacGill made his Test debut against South Africa in 1998 and was Australia's leading wicket-taker in several series, including the 1998-99 Ashes where he claimed 27 wickets at 17.70. Known for his sharp leg-breaks and variations, he often complemented Warne as Australia’s second spinner. His best Test bowling figures were 8/108 against Bangladesh.

In limited-overs cricket, MacGill played three ODIs, taking six wickets with an economy of 3.50. Domestically, he represented Western Australia, New South Wales, Somerset, Nottinghamshire, and Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.