Craig McDermott new Test bowling coach ahead of Ashes

By The Roar / Editor

17th October, 2013

Craig McDermott has returned to his former role as Test bowling coach as part of Cricket Australia’s (CA) restructure of its coaching staff.

McDermott stepped down as CA bowling coach in May last year, after a successful period in the role.

He was replaced by Ali de Winter, who now moves back to the role of Australia’s limited overs bowling coach.

McDermott, who played 71 Tests for Australia, says helping the Test team with its Ashes preparations will be his key priority.

“I’m very happy to be in a position to join the Australian coaching setup again and I look forward to working closely with Darren Lehmann, Michael Clarke and the team this summer,” he said in a statement.

“There is obviously a huge focus on regaining the Ashes this summer and I’ll work as hard as possible to prepare our bowlers for the challenge ahead.”

Australia coach Darren Lehmann says splitting the responsibilities between McDermott and de Winter will best suit his squad.

“It’s great that Craig is now in a position to be involved again and also means we are able to allow Ali to focus on the limited overs formats,” he said.

“Less time travelling for both Ali and Craig also means more time at home to plan, work with the states or BBL (Big Bash League) teams and also directly with the bowlers on technical aspects or other areas for improvement.”

The Crowd Says:

2013-10-18T00:34:38+00:00

jameswm

Roar Guru

I think it was a bit more than just "pitch it up". That was Billy over-simplifying it and talking himself down. Who cares anyway? They do better with thim there, so get him there.

2013-10-18T00:02:57+00:00

Praveen

Guest

Great decision, pub young bowlers will Benefit

2013-10-17T23:19:55+00:00

Brendon the 1st

Guest

When did they forget to bowl? Our bowlers were pretty good in England an even in India they were ok

2013-10-17T21:40:14+00:00

John

Guest

I don't get what the big deal is with McDermott. McDermott got the bowlers doing what they should have already known, gee, here's something new...let's pitch it up boys!! My son's rep coaches have been doing that for years. To be brutally honest, why was it that as soon as McDermott went away, these guys suddenly forgot how to bowl and what they were taught. This is not rocket science fellas. McDermott is surely not the only coach to instill this type of bowling ethic. The media is making him out to be some sort of hero for teaching Siddle and co skills and thought processes they should already have from so much experience. These bowlers just got lazy. How many coaches do International standard players really need, while I appreciate time committments, etc, don't do the job if you aren't up for the whole committment. So how long till we "are seen to need" a specific T20 bowling and batting coach too.

2013-10-17T20:55:17+00:00

planko

Guest

Thank you CA for allowing common sense to come into play.

2013-10-17T19:24:06+00:00

Tim Holt

Roar Guru

Great move, in his last incarnation as bowling Coach, he had the bowlers looking exceptional with a real focus on swing bowling. And the skill behind it Now we just have to get rid of the cancer Sutherland and the water proof tea bag Howard , and things might change for the better

2013-10-17T11:25:41+00:00

Gav

Guest

Does anyone know if Dennis Lillee is still "Fast bowling advisor" per his February appointment?

2013-10-17T09:04:30+00:00

Jason Gillespie

Guest

Good move by CA. Bringing in more expertise as well as spreading the load with the support staff.

2013-10-17T08:24:24+00:00

A punter

Guest

Good move. Now they need to sack Howard & the physio that's keeping our top young bowlers on the sidelines.