It was rumoured for weeks but now it’s official. Daniel Vettori is the Australian men’s cricket team assistant coach alongside Victorian Andre Borovec.
Vettori and Borovec will form a partnership with head coach Andrew McDonald who took over from Justin Langer after a messy falling out with Cricket Australia.
“I have worked with Daniel previously and could not speak more highly of his approach, work ethic and rapport he brings. His experience and balanced style are well documented. He is a great fit and will bring an enormous amount of knowledge to the team,” McDonald said.
Vettori played more than 400 international matches for New Zealand including 113 Tests and 295 ODIs. He was a handy all-rounder scoring 4,531 Test runs at 30 and taking 362 wickets at 34.
Known as a nice guy of world cricket, Vettori has been a natural in the coaching ranks guiding the Birmingham Phoenix in England’s domestic T20 to the final last season. It’s understood he’ll be allowed to continue in that role on top of his Australian duties.
He’s also coached IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore, the Dublin Chiefs and was spin bowling coach for the Bangladesh national team.
The 43-year-old has already worked with the Australian team with a brief stint in Pakistan.
“I was really impressed with what I saw of the group in Pakistan in the way they approached preparation, planning and playing,” Vettori said.
“It’s a very strong and unified group which has the potential to have a very rewarding and hopefully successful period ahead.”
Borovec and Vettori’s first assignment will be to coach Australia A prior to the Test Series.
“Andre (Borovec) has worked with the squad on select tours for the past year including the successful Test Series against Pakistan with Andrew (McDonald), Michael (Di Venuto) and Jeff,” Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager, High Performance and National Teams, Ben Oliver said.
“He has progressed through the ranks from player to coach at Premier Club level, the Victorian Institute of Sport, Victoria and Melbourne Renegades. With a background in education, he brings a wealth of high-performance knowledge, skills and is a great addition to the coaching group.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
He's a bit vanilla and so I can't see him bringing more than the anodyne and will therefore fit in well with McDonald. Does Australia need him,in particular I mean. Nice bloke but..
Targa
Roar Rookie
Good to see Kiwi coaches in demand. Mike Hesson is the brains behind RCB in the IPL, while Stephen Fleming coaches Chennai. Brendon McCullum is the new Pommie coach and Jeetan Patel is the England spin bowling coach, with Dan the Man working with the Aussies. Hopefully they can pick up more expertise and knowledge to bring back to the NZ game.
Ace
Roar Rookie
I must agree to point JN There are a lot of guys in OZ that are more than capable ..maybe not so willing..but they are there Saying that I do believe that Vettori could be a gem in this role. Particularly amongst the younger spinners .
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
A few weeks ago on the appointment of the England coach , I almost posted that given Australia’s experiences with Mickey Arthur , that Unlike England they would not go for a foreign coach again . Certainly not as head coach . And why should you ? More than enough coaching IQ in Australia to not have to . Surely you look abroad only and only if there are no obvious candidates at home . So I am a little confused as to why a foreign coach as assistant . Not doubting Daniel Vettoris credentials but is there nobody else left in Aus who can competently fulfil that role ? Many countries place potential future Head coaches as assistants as back up and preparation with an eye on the future . ( McDonald for example) . Or maybe Mac is comfortable that Vettori won’t go out for drinks with Cummins and co . :shocked: