Australia Appoint Saker as Assistant Coach

Melbourne: David Saker has been appointed as Cricket Australia's next full-time assistant coach, and earmarked to stand-in as the Australian team's head coach at some point in the next 18 months.

Saker had previously held the role of fast-bowling coach role with the England cricket team between 2010 and 2015, before taking over as head coach of the Victorian Bushrangers and Melbourne Renegades last season.

South Africa great Allan Donald is currently filling the role of fast bowling coach with the Australian team on the Qantas Tour of Sri Lanka.

Former Australia seamer Craig McDermott vacated that role after Australia's unsuccessful World T20 campaign, having helped guide the national team to the top of the Test and one-day rankings.

Saker will take over for the Qantas Tour of South Africa in late September. Bupa Support Team head coach Darren Lehmann said Saker's previous experience would be invaluable.

"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," said Lehmann.

CA's Executive General Manager of Team Performance Pat Howard said Saker's success with Victoria put him in good stead to lead the Australian cricket team if Lehmann opted to take another break from touring in a similar vein to the way Justin Langer filled in during the recent Caribbean tri-series.

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