Legspin great Shane Warne has been appointed as spin coach for Australia’s World Twenty20 campaign in Bangladesh in March.
Cricket Australia announced on Thursday Warne would support head coach Darren Lehmann as a consultant, providing specialist coaching to the squad’s spinners.
The Australia T20 squad will assemble in South Africa on March 3 for a three-match series starting on March 9, ahead of the World T20 in Bangladesh later that month.
“We believe our national teams can really benefit from more specific skill-based coaching as and when it is needed,” Lehmann said.
“This will mean that from time to time we will enlist the support of experts in their craft to work with our players and share their experiences.”
Lehmann said spin bowling would be crucial to eighth-ranked Australia’s success in the tournament.
“There’s no better person than Shane to help guide the spinners we select in that squad,” Lehmann said.
“He was a gifted cricketer and remains passionate about spin bowling and seeing our players be the best that they can be. We’re thrilled to have him on board.”
Warne, 44, said he was thrilled with his new role.
“I’m excited to be working with Australia’s spinners in South Africa,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to helping them with some intense bowling preparation ahead of the World Twenty 20, where we’ll specifically work on tactics and mindset.”
Australia’s three T20 games against South Africa are on March 9, 12 and 14 before the squad heads to Bangladesh.
Pom in Oz
Roar Guru
Warnie should have been helping Aussie spinners a long time ago. I guess he had other commitments and projects that took precedence after his retirement. I would love to see him coach SPD Smith on his bowling, in the longer formats of the game. Imagine how good he could become if he was even half as good as Warnie allied with his batting prowess...
Vish
Guest
Hats off to Lehmann for gettin Warne into the system. McDermott has made the quicks great. Warne with his aggressive mindset would make our spinners good O keefe and Muirhead should be our top spinners in years to come Get in Dravid to coach our test batters. He is the best when it comes to applying in for long periods of time. Make Mitchell Starc have a few sessions with Wasim Akram . Would improve his reverse swing and accuracy. Get Healy to work with our keepers These guys hav riches of experience and should be adequately tapped