New batting coach vital for Australia

Updated January 07, 2013 19:11:48

The person Australia chooses to fill the vacant role of full-time national team batting coach could be the most important selection of the year with the Ashes looming.

This summer, Australia's batting resources have been rocked to the core both on and off the field.

Nearly 250 matches worth of Test experience have been drained from the line-up by the retirements of Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey.

Not to mention the huge loss of batting mentor Justin Langer, and now the departure of his successor Stuart Law announced by Cricket Australia on Sunday.

With an Indian series beginning next month before the Ashes tour starts in July, the timing of the mass exodus could not be worse.

Captain Michael Clarke has already made it clear there is no way of replacing the intellectual property that has been lost.

But the next best thing CA can do is handpick a batting coach capable of bringing the best out of a new generation of batsmen.

Australia knew they were losing one of their most valuable assets when Langer left to take up the coaching role at Western Australia, but the loss of the former Test opener has been compounded by the retirements of Ponting and Hussey.

The batting line-up heading into India and the Ashes is almost entirely unsettled.

However, the right batting coach can help ensure young and inexperienced players build their skills, handle their new responsibilities and avoid being caught in the headlights when under pressure.

A permanent specialist is yet to be decided upon, but Dean Jones will work with the side for the first two one-day internationals against Sri Lanka starting this week.

Other former greats are likely to help out throughout the rest of the ODIs.

"We're yet to finalise the broader batting coach role so this opportunity to have some former players with us as specialists during the (ODIs) will be invaluable for our young squad," said coach Mickey Arthur.

"I thank Stuart (Law) for his outstanding contribution over the past six weeks - we are disappointed he is not in a position to consider the full-time role.

"We have quite a young ODI squad at the moment with a firm eye on the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, so to have the knowledge of one of Australia's best ever one-day players (Jones) with us for a couple of games will be invaluable for the group."

AAP

Tags: sport, cricket, australia

First posted January 07, 2013 19:11:48

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Coach Arthur dismisses Lyon critics

Updated December 26, 2012 02:10:02

Australian Test off-spinner Nathan Lyon said on Monday he could not care less about accusations he bowls too fast.

Lyon attracted more criticism following his 0 for 57 in Sri Lanka's second innings in last week's first Test against Sri Lanka in Hobart.

"I'm definitely not afraid of tossing it up and seeing if they want to take me on and really explore and get in that contest and try and get some wickets," he said.

"I'm not really fazed about what people are coming out and saying.

"We're out there in the middle. We know what pace we have to bowl on that pitch.

"It's easy sitting at home. I'm communicating with Pup (Michael Clarke) and Wadey (wicketkeeper Matthew Wade) every over about my pace."

Former Test leg-spinner Stuart MacGill said not only was Lyon rushing through his overs too quickly but he was bowling too fast.

"People are going to have their own opinion but I'm really confident in my own skill set," 25-year-old Lyon said.

"I have the full confidence of (coach and selector) Mickey Arthur and (captain and selector) Michael Clarke.

"Whatever people are saying outside the Australian cricket room doesn't really affect me.

"I'm learning every time I go out to bowl," the 17-Test player added.

"There have been a couple of day-five pitches but in Adelaide South Africa batted fantastic and in Hobart we got the result (with pacemen Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc and Shane Watson sharing the 10 wickets between them).

"There are a lot of expectations on the spinner but I'm not worried about that.

"I'm worried about doing the right thing for the team and working well with Pup and all the other bowlers."

Arthur took a swipe on Monday at Lyon's critics.

"I've read a lot about Nathan Lyon over the last couple of weeks. He's still the quickest off-spinner to 50 wickets," Arthur said.

"He's young. He's still finding out about his bowling.

"He has immense potential though. Spinners only reach their peak at 28 or 29.

"Nathan's doing everything right."

Lyon said the Australians had backed their quicks to do the damage on a Hobart pitch that offered variable bounce.

"Hopefully here or even the SCG might be a bit more friendly to spin bowling," he said.

"It comes down to the different conditions and the different roles you have to play."

AAP

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First posted December 24, 2012 19:21:18

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NSW cricket coach Stuart sacked

Updated December 19, 2012 13:18:53

Anthony Stuart has been sacked as NSW cricket head coach after the domestic board decided against renewing his contract.

Stuart, 42, stepped down with immediate effect after the NSW Cricket board decided it would not renew his contract at the end of the domestic cricket season.

The termination comes after a decent season for the Blues, who currently sit in fourth place on the Sheffield Shield ladder.

However, NSW props up the one-day cup table after winning just one of its four matches.

"Cricket NSW records its thanks to Anthony for his efforts and commitment over the past 18 months," Cricket NSW CEO David Gilbert said in a statement.

"We wish Anthony well in his future endeavours."

Former Sri Lankan Test player Chandika Hathurusinghe will replace Stuart until the end of the season.

Tags: cricket, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted December 19, 2012 13:18:53

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Australia names Ali de Winter as bowling coach

Updated August 03, 2012 17:37:19

Former Tasmania paceman Ali de Winter was Friday named as Australia's new bowling coach, replacing Craig McDermott who quit in May citing the conflicting demands of constant touring with family life.

Cricket Australia team performance general manager Pat Howard said de Winter beat a wide field of international candidates, including Pakistan pace great Waqar Younis.

"We feel Ali has skills that will complement those of Mickey Arthur, Justin Langer and Steve Rixon and is well equipped to pick up on Craig McDermott's previous good work," Howard said, referring to the Australian coaching staff.

Currently head coach of the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League side and assistant coach of Tasmania, de Winter said he intended to keep things simple with Australia's fast bowlers.

"I don't think it is too complicated - it's about having a strong work ethic, building good relationships and doing things like attacking the top of off-stump in Test cricket," he said.

"I am particularly excited to get this chance, particularly now as Australia has such a deep pool of fast bowling talent with 10-12 young bowlers featuring at the moment."

AFP

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First posted August 03, 2012 17:37:19

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McDermott quits as pace bowling coach

Updated May 11, 2012 14:08:04

Craig McDermott has resigned as Australia's pace bowling coach, citing the demands of upcoming cricket tours as a reason for his decision.

The former Australian quick bowler was named a year ago as the replacement for Troy Cooley, after beating off competition from the likes of Jason Gillespie, Andy Bichel and former South African speedster Allan Donald.

As a bowler, McDermott took 291 wickets for Australia in 71 Tests.

In a Cricket Australia release, the Queenslander said that it had been a very difficult decision to leave his position and said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" the job.

"However the team's schedule is a particularly busy one and after looking at the upcoming touring demands, I felt this to be the right decision from a personal and professional point of view,'' McDermott said.

"The progression of particular players and the improvement of depth in Australian bowling stocks has been the result of much hard work from both sides and is something I am particularly proud of."

Australia has a busy upcoming schedule, with an Australian one-day tour of the British Isles in June and July, a one-day series and one-off Twenty20 international against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in August, and the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in September.

McDermott said he would continue to provide input to Cricket Australia's Centre of Excellence in Brisbane but wanted to continue his coaching career in a role that allowed greater flexibility. He did not rule out being involved with the Australian team in the future.

He thanked Australian Test captain Michael Clarke and coach Mickey Arthur and wished them and the team well.

Arthur paid tribute to McDermott's contribution to Australian cricket.

"Craig has done an outstanding job since taking over the role and without doubt will be very difficult to replace," Arthur said.

"As the Australian public and cricket world has seen, Craig has taken our fast bowlers to another level and his skills and experience will be sorely missed around the group.

Arthur said the team understood and respected McDermott's decision and hoped he could be involved with the team at some point in the future.

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First posted May 11, 2012 14:08:04

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New Zealand coach Wright to resign

Updated May 01, 2012 12:35:42

New Zealand coach John Wright will step down from the national side in August after rejecting an offer to extend his contract, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive David White said on Tuesday.

In a move White described as "disappointing", he said Wright will leave the Black Caps after the upcoming tour of the West Indies.

"John has been an outstanding servant for cricket in New Zealand over a long time and it is disappointing to lose someone of his calibre," White said in a statement.

"We were keen to see him continue his head coach role, however understand and respect his decision to look for another challenge."

A gritty former opening batsman and one-time India coach, Wright took over a Black Caps outfit in disarray and guided them to the semi-finals of last year's World Cup, as well as a rare Test win over Australia in Hobart.

The statement gave no reason for Wright's departure, although he has reportedly had a tense relationship with Australian John Buchanan, who was appointed NZC's director of cricket in April last year.

"I appreciate the offer to extend my contract but after much consideration I feel it's the right time to move on and look at other opportunities," Wright said.

No immediate replacement was announced.

"We are keen to fill this critical role as soon as possible but are conscious that we need to take the time to find the right candidate who can take us through to the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup," White said.

New Zealand will tour the West Indies in July and early August.

AFP

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First posted May 01, 2012 12:30:41

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Law to quit as Bangladesh coach

Updated April 16, 2012 20:13:12

Former Australian cricketer Stuart Law will step down as Bangladesh coach in June, citing family reasons for his surprise decision to quit one year into a two-year contract.

His announcement came a day after the Bangladesh cricket board said it planned a short tour later this month to Pakistan, where international cricket has been suspended since a militant attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in March 2009.

"My resignation is purely for family reasons," the 43-year-old told reporters in Dhaka, insisting that security concerns had not been a factor.

"It has nothing to do with the Pakistan tour," he said, adding that he would complete a year on the job in June before heading to Australia to join his family.

He declined to confirm whether he would travel with the national team which will play a solitary one-dayer on April 29 and a Twenty20 international the next day - both in Lahore.

Bangladesh Cricket Board spokesman Jalal Yunus said Law should go to Pakistan.

"The coach is part of the team and he should travel with the team," Yunus said.

The 2009 attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore left eight people dead and seven visiting players and their assistant coach wounded.

Pakistan's government has promised fool-proof security for the Bangladesh team for the two matches in Lahore.

Law's finest moment as coach came last month when Bangladesh defeated India and Sri Lanka on way to the Asia Cup final in Dhaka, which it lost to Pakistan.

Law, who played one Test and 54 one-day internationals for Australia, had also served as an assistant coach for Sri Lanka under Trevor Bayliss.

AFP

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First posted April 16, 2012 20:13:12

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Whatmore to take over as Pakistan coach

Updated March 02, 2012 23:55:49

Former Australian batsman Dav Whatmore, who guided Sri Lanka to World Cup glory in 1996, will sign a contract to become Pakistan's new cricket coach.

The 57-year-old Whatmore, who played seven Tests and one limited overs international for Australia, also helped Bangladesh reach the second round in the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.

Whatmore was chosen by a three-member coaching committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after regular coach Waqar Younis left the post citing health issues in September last year.

Former Pakistan opener Mohsin Khan was appointed interim coach under whom Pakistan beat Sri Lanka and Bangladesh and whitewashed England 3-0 in Tests before they went down tamely 4-0 in one-day series and 2-1 in the Twenty20 internationals last month.

The head of the coaching committee Intikhab Alam confirmed Whatmore will sign a contract.

"Whatmore and Julien Fountain (likely to take over as fielding coach) have arrived here and Whatmore will sign a contract as head coach of the Pakistan team," Alam said, refusing to give further details of the contract.

Whatmore's first assignment will be to help the team in the four-nation Asia Cup in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Defending champions India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will also compete in the March 11-22 event.

Alam said Whatmore would assist the newly-formed selection committee along with captain Misbah-ul Haq to pick the squad. Former spinner Iqbal Qasim was appointed head of the selection committee after Mohammad Ilyas resigned from the post on Thursday.

Whatmore will be Pakistan's fourth foreign coach after Richard Pybus (South Africa), Bob Woolmer (England and South Africa) and Geoff Lawson.

Reuters

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First posted March 02, 2012 21:09:45

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Dhoni backs besieged coach Fletcher

Updated January 16, 2012 13:51:31

Suspended captain MS Dhoni has backed coach Duncan Fletcher as the right man to turn around the fortunes of the beleaguered Indian cricket team, despite a run of dismal overseas tours.

Down 3-0 after successive innings defeats in Sydney and Perth, the Indians have already lost the series and have one final chance to redeem themselves in the fourth Test in Adelaide, starting on Tuesday.

But another loss will condemn them to two clean sweep 4-0 defeats in a row on foreign soil after an embarrassing tour of England.

They will be without their skipper for the last Test, following his one match suspension by the International Cricket Council for his second slow over rate infraction in 12 months during the third Test at the WACA Ground.

Pressure is not only mounting on India's misfiring and ageing top order, but also on the feisty Fletcher, who has seen his team win just two of nine Tests during the early part of his two-year tenure.

Both wins were at home against the lowly West Indies and are not enough to gloss over seven straight overseas defeats, four by an innings, since Fletcher took over last year.

India was the top-ranked Test side in the world when Fletcher took the reins, but will drop to third when the official ICC rankings are next released.

His first series at the helm saw the Indians lose all four Tests in England and Fletcher's record as a coach in Australia is even worse, with 12 losses from 13 Tests including his time at the helm of England.

As Indian greats like Kapil Dev, Bishan Bedi and Sourav Ganguly lined up to lambast India's insipid performances, Dhoni said Fletcher was the right man for the job.

"He's a great guy to have," Dhoni said.

"He's one of the most experienced coaches around, the small technical things he knows about bowling and batting, it's very crucial to have.

"It's not like he has become the coach and we have lost two series and he's to be blamed for all the defeats, it's up to the 11 players to go out and perform."

However, former Australian Test batsman Marcus North wrote in an internet column this week that the Indians had gone backwards under Fletcher.

"Team India has been unravelling ever since the departure of Gary Kirsten who, to his credit, found a way to relate and bond this team of champion individuals into a champion team," North wrote.

"Kirsten's replacement, Duncan Fletcher, on the other hand, has managed to undo all of Kirsten's hard work.

"Team unity looks low and relationships are being tested."

Both Bedi and Dev said India's Test performances were suffering due to the Board of Control for Cricket in India's obsession with Twenty20 cricket and its financial rewards.

Ganguly said the Indian Test team needed a major overhaul.

AFP

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First posted January 16, 2012 13:51:31

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Hobart names T20 coach

Updated June 09, 2011 17:34:47

Highly-rated bowling mentor Ali de Winter has been appointed coach of the Hobart Hurricanes Big Bash franchise.

The 43-year-old former Tasmania all-rounder has been in charge of the Tigers' all-conquering pace bowling quartet since 2007.

He was widely seen as a key contributor as the Tigers won only their second Sheffield Shield last season.

Before returning to Tasmania, de Winter was a zone coaching manager in Western Australia and headed up the national cricket academy in Bangladesh.

He was also short-listed for the role of Australian bowling coach last month, but was overlooked in favour of former Test quick Craig McDermott.

The Hurricanes are one of eight franchises to compete in the revised Twenty20 domestic league in the upcoming summer, flying under a separate banner to the Tigers.

De Winter says the new competition could potentially reinvigorate the sport in Australia.

"This Big Bash League concept is extremely exciting and cricket is opening up to everyone - bringing the game to all walks of life and age groups including families, children, women and those from traditionally non-cricket backgrounds," he said.

"I think once the team lists have been named around the country the rivalry will start and this league will really gain some momentum before the battles begin."

- AAP

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First posted June 09, 2011 17:34:47

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McDermott returns to fray as bowling coach

Posted May 12, 2011 12:53:00

Former Test quick Craig McDermott is to be the Australian cricket team's new bowling coach.

McDermott, who took 291 wickets at 28.63 in 71 Tests, replaces Troy Cooley in the role after Cooley became the Centre of Excellence head coach following last summer's Ashes campaign.

The 46-year-old Queenslander was considered a front-runner for the job after taking on a mentoring role with Australia's quicks during the recent one-day tour of Bangladesh.

Cricket Australia (CA) has called a press conference to announce the appointment at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

McDermott is believed to have come out on top of a CA shortlist of 14 for the job, a list that included South African quick Allan Donald.

McDermott takes over at a promising time for Australia's fast-bowling stocks with youngsters such as Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Peter George and Pat Cummins all coming through the ranks at state level.

Current Test bowlers Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus are also all relatively young.

McDermott, who retired from international cricket in 1996, will take over the role immediately.

- AAP

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McDermott new Aussie bowling coach

Updated May 12, 2011 14:22:00

Former Test paceman Craig McDermott has beaten a strong international field to become the Australian team's new bowling coach, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.

McDermott, 46, who took 291 wickets at 28.63 in 71 Tests between 1984 and 1996, replaces Troy Cooley in the role after Cooley became the Centre of Excellence head coach following last summer's failed Ashes campaign against England.

"His impressive record as an international player, during which he successfully overcame a number of setbacks, combined with his recent record at the Cricket Australia Centre of Excellence and with the Australia team in Bangladesh, all impressed us that he was the outstanding candidate for this role," CA general manager Michael Brown said.

"He will provide valuable support to the new Test captain Michael Clarke, coach Tim Nielsen and the playing group."

McDermott takes over at a promising time for Australian fast-bowling with youngsters Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Peter George and Pat Cummins all coming through the ranks at state level.

Test bowlers Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus are also all relatively young.

Brown and Nielsen interviewed a number of Australian and overseas candidates for the 12-month appointment.

"We've got some challenging tours ahead in the coming months but I'm excited at the opportunity to be part of the group that helps get Australia back to number one in all forms of cricket," McDermott said in a statement.

CA also announced that former Test opener Justin Langer has been re-appointed as team assistant coach to head coach Tim Nielsen for another 12 months.

"Justin's record as a player and then over the last 18 months, as coach, leader and mentor within the Australia team coaching group, speaks for itself and we are all delighted he has agreed to continue his outstanding work with the Australia team," Brown said.

Langer, 40, said he was thrilled with the renewed opportunity with the team and to further his development as a coach.

- AFP

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First posted May 12, 2011 13:53:00

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Bangladesh axes coach Siddons

Posted April 13, 2011 05:07:00

Bangladesh has shown the door to its Australian coach Jamie Siddons, after the national team failed to make it to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

"It has been agreed that head coach Jamie Siddons' contract, which expires on June 30, will not be extended," the Bangladesh Cricket Board said in a press statement.

"We are really appreciative of Jamie's contribution over the last four years and the successes he has had with the national team.

"However, we feel the time is right to ring in changes in the team management and support staff."

Bangladesh, which co-hosted the World Cup along with India and Sri Lanka, made an early exit from the showpiece event, going down to huge defeats to India, West Indies and South Africa in the league stages.

Australian-born Siddons took charge of Bangladesh in November 2007.

Bangladesh has also lost the first two one-dayers of an ongoing three-match series against Australia to concede an unbeatable 2-0 lead.

The third and final one-dayer will be played in Dhaka on Wednesday.

-AFP

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