Cricket Australia, on Thursday (July 14), appointed David Saker as the national side’s full-time fast bowling coach, filling in the slot left vacant by Craig McDermott following an unsuccessful World Twenty20.
Saker, who was England’s pace bowling coach between 2010 and 2015, led the Victorian Bushrangers to the Sheffield Shield title last season, and also coached the Melbourne Renegades. Saker will replace Allan Donald, who is currently filling in the role of Australia’s fast bowling coach on the tour of Sri Lanka, for the tour of South Africa starting late in September.
“The opportunity to work with Australia’s best cricketers and coaches is one that I simply couldn’t pass up and I am incredibly excited,” Saker was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald. “With two day-night Tests against South Africa and Pakistan this summer, it’s a great time to enter the Australian set-up.
“Having reflected on the role and spoken to my family, I feel that it is the next logical career step for me and that I can add more value at the national level, particularly next year with the ICC Champions Trophy in the UK and when England tour for the 2017-18 Ashes.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the past year with the Bushrangers and will miss the squad, especially as we managed to retain the Sheffield Shield. I have no doubt I’ll still be regular contact with many of the players I’ve coached when they play at the national level,” he added.
Saker is known to have had some run-ins with Lehmann regarding national selections at various stages with dialogues exchanged between the two. However, Lehmann let bygones be bygones and welcomed the move.
“David’s experience working around the world with international teams will be invaluable, especially as we work toward the upcoming Indian Test series and the Ashes,” Darren Lehmann, the head coach of the side, was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia. “His technical expertise in all facets of the game is a real bonus and very important when working with the young group we have. We spoke with a lot of people about this role and really took our time deciding what direction we wanted to go. David’s appointment gives us good clarity in our senior coaching group.
“What impressed me most about David was his vision of where he is heading as a coach and also where he wants to take our young group of bowlers and players. “He and I have always had robust discussions about the good of Australian cricket, he is passionate and I appreciate that. I love his attitude and he will bring great energy to our group.”
Saker further received support from Pat Howard, CA’s Executive General Manager of Team Performance, who believed that his success with Victoria would hold him in good stead should Lehmann be unavailable at any point. “David has had proven success with Victoria in the short time he has held the role, as well as success on the international stage, and that was a key part of the recruitment process,” said Howard.
“The fact that David has been a head coach previously, also gives us an option should Darren be absent or need a break from touring. We anticipate he will lead the Australian team at some stage during 2017.”
, appointed David Saker as the national side's full-time fast bowling coach, filling in the slot left vacant by Craig McDermott following an unsuccessful World Twenty20.){kind=link}