David Saker appointed as Australia's bowling coach

Former Australian first-class cricketer David Saker (David James Saker), is appointed as Cricket Australia’s full-time bowling coach. He is currently working with Victoria and Melbourne Renegades as their coach. Saker guided his side Victoria to last summer’s Sheffield Shield title.

With this appointment, he is also regarded as to stand-in as the Australian team’s head coach at some point in the next 18 months. Saker held the same role with the England cricket team between 2010 and 2015, before taking over as head coach of the Victorian Bushrangers and Melbourne Renegades last season.

Darren Lehmann said Saker’s previous experience would be invaluable. “David’s experience working around the world with international teams will be invaluable, especially as we work toward the upcoming Indian Test series and the Ashes,” said Lehmann.

“His technical expertise in all facets of the game is a real bonus and very important when working with the young group we have.”

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He said that they had really put in some efforts to find the perfect man for the job. “We spoke with a lot of people about this role and really took our time deciding what direction we wanted to go. David’s appointment gives us good clarity in our senior coaching group.”

“What impressed me most about David was his vision of where he is heading as a coach and also where he wants to take our young group of bowlers and players.

“He and I have always had robust discussions about the good of Australian cricket, he is passionate and I appreciate that. I love his attitude and he will bring great energy to our group.”

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Saker said in March that he “probably wouldn’t be interested” in joining the national team. “I’ve done a lot of travelling. It’d be a nice job but it probably hasn’t come at the right time,” Saker told News Ltd.

Saker called the selection of Nathan Coulter-Nile in the Test squad as “ridiculous”, who was included as a replacement of Mitchell Starc due to an injury in Adelaide last summer.

He added that he was “really shocked” by some of the bowling selections on the 2015 Ashes tour and said the preference for high-velocity bowlers that worked so well on Australian pitches should be ditched when overseas. Saker’s appointment also leaves Victoria searching for its third head coach.