Cricket Australia appoints Andrew McDonald as new head coach

Cricket Australia (CA) has appointed former Test all-rounder Andrew McDonald as head coach of the Australian men’s team on a four-year contract.
McDonald, 40, who has been interim head coach since February, joined Australia’s coaching team in 2019 after leading Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades to all three domestic competition titles during the 2018-19 season.
CA made the official announcement on Wednesday and said McDonald “brings a wealth of coaching experience to the position having also held head coaching roles in the Indian Premier League and in English county cricket”.
The 40-year-old has also previously held the role of senior assistant coach alongside former head coach Justin Langer.
Andrew McDonald has been appointed as Head Coach of the Australian Men’s Cricket Team on a four-year contract!
Congratulations, Ronnie ✍️ pic.twitter.com/i5dlCNL5YI
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) April 12, 2022
The latter’s shock departure in early February sparked harsh criticism from a host of former cricketers, including the late Shane Warne.
Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden were others to take issue with CA’s treatment of Langer when the team had just won the World Cup and the Ashes.
The outrage had prompted captain Pat Cummins to clarify that there was never any issue with the Langer’s “intensity” but the side needed a “calmer” and “more collaborative” approach.
McDonald’s appointment as the new head coach comes after last week’s historic 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.
Congratulations to Andrew McDonald, appointed as Australian men’s Head Coach 👏 pic.twitter.com/3hTXcOB1Lh
— Victorian Cricket Team (@VicStateCricket) April 12, 2022
“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.”
CA chief executive 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.
Congratulations to our #BBL08 championship coach, Andrew McDonald, on his appointment as head coach of the Australian Men’s team 👏 pic.twitter.com/UP0Y1rQIkV
— Melbourne Renegades (@RenegadesBBL) April 13, 2022
“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 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.”
Latest
-
News
Zak Crawley rediscovers form as Kent’s clash with Northamptonshire is drawn
Crawley started the week averaging under 20 in this season’s LV= Insurance County Championship.
-
News
India recall Cheteshwar Pujara for rescheduled Test against England
The 34-year-old has scored four hundreds in eight innings for Sussex this season.
-
News
Keith Barker blows away Somerset to help Hampshire to victory
The visitors needed just one run in their second innings to seal victory.
-
News
Craig Overton claims 400th first-class wicket in Somerset-Hampshire clash
The England seamer’s three-wicket burst left the contest delicately balanced at the halfway stage.
-
News
Three positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
News
Zak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
News
Mark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
News
McCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
News
Effects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
News
Ben Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.