With Cricket Australia announcing that national bowling coach Craig McDermott is finishing his time with the team after the T20 World Cup, the search to find a new bowling mentor will commence immediately.
As Steve Smith’s side continues the rapid generational change brought on follow the 2015 Ashes capitulation, choosing McDermott’s selector will play a vital role in guiding the current crop of outstanding young bowlers in and around the national side.
Recruiting a legend of the game like Glenn McGrath would be a coup for Darren Lehmann and Cricket Australia. However, the likelihood is that players like McGrath and Warne will continue to make themselves available on a consulting basis while pursuing a broad range of professional, philanthropic and reality television interests.
As it stands, there is currently no clear standout replacement for McDermott. A move to bring back to the likes of Troy Cooley would be on par with Labor bringing back Kevin Rudd prior to this year’s election.
Meanwhile, fiery Victorian coach and former speed demon David Saker has spent the summer irritating Lehmann and his fellow higher-ups with frequently niggling criticism of the national selectors.
Jason Gillespie has proven his credentials in recent years, culminating in his short-listing for the English head coaching. With his taking charge of the Adelaide Strikers, but not South Australia this summer, it appears Dizzy may prefer to split his time between the UK and Australia for the foreseeable future.
Any move to secure his services would need to be swift, perhaps with the additional carrot of consideration for the national role in a few years subtly thrown in the mix. He could certainly pitch his batting expertise in Bangladeshi conditions as evidence of his broad experience and knowledge of the game.
Although AHM have provided Brett Lee with a platform for his simple coaching tips throughout the summer of 2015-16, it is unlikely the role of bowling coach would be sufficient to lure him away from future roles as a Bollywood romantic lead or the comfort of the Channel Nine commentary box.
Perhaps put him in the McGrath/Warne mentor box at best.
Ultimately, McDermott’s successor will have big shoes to fill. Shepherding through a generation of young bowlers is crucial to the ongoing success of the Australian team moving forward.
I wish Pat Howard, James Sutherland and Lehmann every success in the search.
Bakkies
Guest
He got the bowlers to pitch the ball up more compared to the back of the length dross that saw good bowlers struggle to take wickets and maintain line. He got more consistent performances out of Johnson.
Bakkies
Guest
Harris is probably too close to the players having retired last year. Aus Cricket shouldn't go down the jobs for the boys path taking on recently retired ex players with limited to no coaching experience.
noel
Guest
agree 100%
Daniel Gray
Roar Guru
I think he's preached a good message about line and length, and has had a hand in the development of Starc and Hazlewood. Pretty good performance from him, really.
noel
Guest
Agree about transition, Daniel. The guys have done well considering the change personnel, injuries and tight schedule. So you're probably right about not being too hard on Billy.
Daniel Gray
Roar Guru
It's an interesting question, Noel. We have certainly sliced and diced some teams, but the consistency of the bowling attack has been lacking at times. I'd put some of that down to the transition period of late, along with injuries forcing fairly consistent lineup changes.
Daniel Gray
Roar Guru
Thanks, Bells. I have another one going up tomorrow.
Bells
Guest
Harris is the guy we want. Another great article, Daniel. You should write more often!
Lancey5times
Guest
Ryan Harris or Damien Wright. I think Dooma would do a great job
noel
Guest
Daniel, do you think McDermott has done a good job? He helped strike bowlers, but containment has eluded us.
horse
Guest
Agree with Daniel that McDermott's shoes will be hard to fill and good candidates don't jump off the page. Yes, Rhino has to be The Man
Paul D
Roar Guru
Yeah, I can't see Gillespie settling for a bowling coach job. He is heading for a national coaching appointment somewhere in the next few years. I echo the Ryan Harris sentiments, I reckon he'd bring a lot to the table.
Daniel Gray
Roar Guru
Ryan Harris would be a great choice, especially given he's already heading down the coaching pathway. A somewhat left field choice like Michael Hogan could work too, especially with his vast experience in English conditions. A very underrated bowler.
Bakkies
Guest
Gillespie surely would want more than the role of bowling coach. I'm not sure if the Sky Sports doc Cricket Yorkshire is available worth a watch to get an idea of his approach
Yangbong
Guest
Ryan Harris is top of my list. In a similar vein Shane Bond would be a great selection. Both highly skillful bowlers whose international careers were cut short by injury. Hopefully they can use that experience to keep Australia's young guns on the park.