Lillee and Cricket Australia part ways

Australia

Cricket365
May 6, 2014

Former fast bowler Dennis Lillee has resigned as a coaching consultant with Cricket Australia.

A report in <i>The Age</i> stated Lillee insisted on a raise in salary, but CA were not willing to oblige.

"Unfortunately Dennis didn't accept Cricket Australia's offer to renew his contract," said a CA spokesman.

"He is a great of the game and the door will always be open to him if he wants to return and be involved in any way.

"We've made a point in recent times of being open to bringing in coaching consultants when required."

Meanwhile, the veteran Craig McDermott's tenure has been lengthened by two years.

A new contract has effectively seen McDermott promoted from fast bowling coach to assistant coach.

The extension will see McDermott mentor the country's fast bowlers during the 2015 World Cup.

"I feel like we've got a really good group at the moment. While all the guys are playing well, it's really been great to build this close bond with them all," said McDermott.

"The boys call it the fast bowling cartel, but we also let spinner Nathan Lyon in – and we're all really motivated to keep that going.

"I'm also looking forward to taking on more responsibility and to work closely with head coach Darren Lehmann to broaden my coaching skills and alongside batting coach Michael Di Venuto to ensure we're a well-oiled coaching unit."

Erstwhile seamer Ali de Winter had been hired to look after the bowlers in ODI and Twenty20 International cricket, but will now work alongside McDermott, largely at the National Cricket Centre – and tour occasionally.

Australia latest-news