“We want to be number one in all three formats across men’s and women’s cricket”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pat Howard has signed a new two-year deal that will see him continue on as Cricket Australia’s high performance manager until 2019.

Howard has held the position since 2011 and his job encompasses both men’s and women’s cricket.

Howard expressed his excitement towards extending his stay and pointed out that seeing the country at the summit of the men’s and women’s standings in all formats continues to be his ultimate goal.

“The goal hasn’t changed,” the 43-year-old said. “We want to be number one in all three formats across men’s and women’s cricket.

“In sport there is always highs and lows but, if I was to reflect, I am particularly pleased with how much our pathways and talent identification systems have grown, with more than 300 contracted male and female players, as well as the coaching pathway for coaches in Australian cricket.

“What the previous 12 months has shown is that we have a lot of talent and depth in the system to be ready for these changes.”

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland added: “He has led the evolution of a new team performance structure and success-driven culture for both men’s and women’s cricket in Australia, and we see his ongoing contribution as integral to our future plans.

“Among many other things, Pat has driven the improvement of structures and systems that support the Australian Cricket Pathway for all our young players.”