Cricket Australia have appointed Andrew McDonald as head coach of the Australian men’s team on a four-year contract.
McDonald has been in the job as interim head coach since replacing Justin Langer in February. He has been an assistant with Australia since 2019 after leading Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades to all three domestic competition titles during the 2018-19 season.
McDonald last week returned from the tour of Pakistan, where he coached the Test side to a series victory, lost the one-day series 2-1 and won the only T20 International.
“The journey so far has been particularly pleasing, and I am honoured to be given this incredible opportunity for what is an exciting period ahead,” McDonald said in a statement.
“The success of the World Cup, the Ashes Series and now Pakistan has been testament to the hard work and leadership of Justin, Pat and Aaron along with the players and the support staff.
“My plan is to build on the growth, depth and experience of the squad while working collectively with the group and across the game. There are many challenges in the short-term which I know excites the leadership group, the players and the staff. I’d also like to thank my family for their support.”
Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer Nick Hockley said: “We interviewed several excellent candidates for this role, which is one of the most important in Australian sport.
“Andrew has already shown he is an outstanding head coach and the vision he outlined for the role during the appointment process was both impressive and exciting, making him our clear choice.
“We are proud of the way the team played and the respect shown throughout the tour of Pakistan under the leadership of Andrew, Pat and Aaron and really pleased Andrew is taking on the role permanently.”
Executive General Manager of High Performance and National Teams Ben Oliver said: “Andrew has done an outstanding job as interim head coach and has had a positive impact on the squad.
“I am looking forward to supporting Andrew and the team as we plan for an exciting period, which includes tours to Sri Lanka and India, a T20 World Cup and the home summer before an away Ashes series.
“Andrew has been appointed as Head Coach in all formats, although some white ball series may be led by an assistant given the significant workload ahead and the opportunity to continue to develop our coaches and players.”
JamesH
Roar Guru
I hope you didn't hurt your arm with that enormous reach...
JamesH
Roar Guru
It was pretty lame as far as conspiracies went anyway
jamesb
Roar Guru
Well many thought on this site that Trevor Bayliss was going to get the job because he was from NSW. Incidentally, the last time a New South Welshmen took charge was Bob Simpson. He left way back in 1996. So it’s been 26 years (and counting) where coaches from other states, alomg with a South African have had a go. But yeah, lets continue with the NSW bias line of thinking ….. :angry:
Marty
Roar Rookie
He was part of the group overheard at the pub in Hobart discussing what was going to happen when Langer was gone. He was smack bang in the middle of it, nice little pay day for him that’s for sure.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
You can't tell at the clouds any more. They're all in storage.
Simoc
Roar Rookie
Great appointment. Who really cares. Coaches give the media something to talk about and know-nothings need their important opinions. But ex and current players know exactly how important they are. It is not a football game and by the time you play for Australia at cricket you're pretty good at the game and look up to the other players, not the coach.
Twilko
Roar Rookie
C'mon now. McDonald is a well credentialed coach, and i think he will lead the team well, his record speaks for itself. I also think Langer was treated horribly by CA, by the players and by certain media including an editor in here. What's not clear yet is whether McDonald had a hand in the sh*tshow last year. Guess we'll have to wait for someone to reveal it in a book, until then i guess it's benefit of the doubt to McDonald.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Fair enough John
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
If he is the exact opposite of Langer, heaven help the Australian cricket team. He won't judge his players, stick with those who are struggling, or tell them to get it right. He won't accept criticism and endeavour to improve his own performance. He won't see the worth of different teams for different formats. He won't care. And he's Victorian.
HR
Roar Rookie
Well there goes the conspiracy theory about Cummins' NSW Mafia clearing the way for Bayliss...
HR
Roar Rookie
That was more tongue on cheek...
Choppy Zezers
Roar Rookie
Well, as it turns out it was. And if you're gonna do Tongue in cheek, we will start calling you Brad Hogg
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Just my “tongue in cheek” comment as a follow up to Cumming’s revelation that he & the players felt that Langer’s time was up.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Are you saying Pat Cummins is the only one who thinks McDonald would do a good job (assuming he does think that)?
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
Who conducted the job interview? Pat Cummins?
Nick
Roar Guru
Well, maybe the Mother Teresa approximation is right then. That woman was no saint. Her greatest talents were presenting a public persona that was shockingly different from her actual being, and conning a willing public.
Ouch
Roar Rookie
I like this appointment. It comes with the added bonus of upsetting the yelling at cloud conservative old guys.
Marty
Roar Rookie
Wow, what a surprise. And here come all the puff pieces making this bloke out to be some sort of red headed Mother Teresa, when the reality is he knifed the bloke who’s job he was after and then stepped straight into it.
Harry Selassie
Roar Rookie
Not a surprise and it appears to be the wise choice. He will be juggling all 3 formats at once, although appears the ODI team will take a back seat until after the T20 World Cup is over.
Johnno
Roar Rookie
A very orchestrated appointment.......