“To work with some of the best players in the world is something I am really looking forward to”
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Former England batsman Graeme Hick has been named as Australia’s batting coach for the next four years.
Hick will replace Michael di Venuto as the ex-Australian opener vacated the position in February when he was unveiled as Surrey’s new head coach.
Greg Blewett held the position on an interim basis when Di Venuto departed, but he will now return to being the national team’s fielding coach.
Hick’s appointment further bolsters Australia’s new coaching set-up, which features Darren Lehmann as head coach, David Saker as assistant coach and bowling coach, and Blewett.
“Graeme worked with us during the recent ODI tour in the West Indies and we were really impressed with what he brought to the group,” Lehmann said. “He is a very experienced player in all conditions and will bring a wealth of knowledge with him.
“With an ICC Champions Trophy, an Ashes Series and an ICC World Cup all to be played in England in the near future, his knowledge of those conditions will also be invaluable.”
Hick, who has also served as Australia’s high performance coach and worked with the country’s young talents, expressed his excitement at being appointed as the national team’s batting coach.
He was also part of the coaching set-up when Justin Langer took over as head coach on an interim basis during the ODI tri-series in the Caribbean in June.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my current role with Cricket Australia and have worked with some great young up-and-coming players during my time heading up the Under-19 program and more recently with the National Performance Squad during the Quadrangular A ODI Series,” Hick said. “To take the next step up with the men’s team and getting the opportunity to work with some of the best players in the world is something I am really looking forward to.”