“The opportunity to work with Australia’s best cricketers and coaches is one that I simply couldn’t pass up”
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Australia have named David Saker their new assistant coach, but he will only take up his new position at the start of the ODI tour of South Africa in September-October.
Saker will replace Craig McDermott, who stepped down from the role after the World Twenty20 earlier this year in order to focus on his cricket academy.
With Saker having been appointed as Australia’s assistant coach, he will vacate the head coach position he held with Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades. Saker enjoyed a lot of success in his lone season with Victoria as he guided them to the 2015/16 Sheffield Shield title.
“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,” Australia head coach Darren Lehmann said. “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.”
Pat Howard, Cricket Australia’s general manager of team performance, added: “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.
“It’s a testament to the success of our coaching pathway program in Australia, that Justin Langer and David have been elevated from within the system to senior roles in the Australian cricket team. 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.”
Saker was over the moon at having been offered the position and admitted that he couldn’t pass it up as it would allow him to work with some of the best cricketers in the game today.
“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 said. “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.”