Andrew McDonald has been named the full-time, all-format head coach of the Australian men’s cricket team, according to Cricket Australia.
Following Justin Langer’s departure in early February, the former Victorian all-rounder had been functioning as an interim replacement. McDonald has been offered a four-year contract after a successful tour of Pakistan, where he oversaw Test and T20I victories.
McDonald earned accolades from Test captain Pat Cummins after leading the squad to a 1-0 series win over Pakitan. During Langer’s four-year stint, McDonald coached Australia on many occasions while the former coach was on leave.
Moreover, the 40-year-old has vast coaching experience having coached Victoria and Melbourne Renegades to domestic and BBL titles respectively. Previously, Andrew has also been head coach of Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the IPL.
Following Langer’s resignation, CA used a recruitment consultancy to conduct a global search for a new men’s coach.
Potential candidates were Australia captain Ricky Ponting, former England coach Trevor Bayliss and current Australia women’s coach Matthew Mott.
McDonald, though, was an easy pick due to his popularity among the players and the team’s recent success.
Chief of Cricket Australia (CA) on selecting Andrew McDonald as new head coach
On making Andrew as the new coach, CA chief Nick Hockley said
“Andrew has already shown he is an outstanding Head Coach and the vision he outlined for the role during the appointment process was both impressive and exciting, making him our clear choice,”
Hockley further added saying
“We are proud of the way the team played and the respect shown throughout the tour of Pakistan under the leadership of Andrew, Pat [Cummins] and Aaron [Finch] and really pleased Andrew is taking on the role permanently.”
Meanwhile, In a statement, McDonald said he was ‘honoured’ to be given the opportunity. The 4o-year-old expressed his views further saying
“My plan is to build on the growth, depth and experience of the squad while working collectively with the group and across the game,”
“There are many challenges in the short-term which I know excites the leadership group, the players and the staff.
McDonald’s will have a difficult first year in the post, with away Test tours to Sri Lanka and India. Moreover, Andrew McDonald will also be looking forward to Australia’s title defense in the T20 World Cup later this year. It will be interesting to see how the Australian team now approach games under the guidance of a new head coach.
