David Saker on Thursday (7th February) has resigned as Australian bowling coach with immediate effect just a few months before the 2019 World Cup and Ashes "for the best interests of the team".
On Wednesday night, Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed Saker’s resignation, saying the former England fast bowling coach stepped down immediately on a mutual decision with head coach Justin Langer.
Langer has insisted that he and Saker, who had joined the Australian bowling group in 2016, took the decision with mutual approval in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup and Ashes.
Troy Cooley, the National Cricket Centre coach and former England and Australia bowling coach, will replace Saker as an interim bowling coach for Australia during the ODI series against India and Pakistan.
Langer said in a statement, “David and I have had ongoing discussions over the past nine months about his role with the team, and we agreed it's the right time to head in a different direction in the best interests of the team. I'd like to thank David for his significant contribution, in particular in the role he has played in helping develop a core group of Australian pace bowlers. I wish David all the best for the next chapter in his coaching career.”
While Belinda Clark, Cricket Australia's interim general manager, said: “In discussions with David about the needs of the team, and the unprecedented schedule ahead, it became clear to both of us that this was the right time for David to step away We will provide further information on the coaching structure surrounding the World Cup and Ashes in due course.”
Meanwhile, Saker thanked CA for the opportunity and support throughout his stint with the side and is now looking forward to enjoying the break before finding a new coaching role.
Saker signed off by saying, “I'd like to thank Cricket Australia for the opportunity to help coach the Australian Men's Team over the past three seasons. I've enjoyed my time with the team, in particular, working closely with a great group of fast bowlers and in time will look forward to a new coaching role.”
(With AFP Inputs)
