Men’s coach role an evolving one: CA chief

Murray Wenzel | February 5, 2022

Australia’s next men’s cricket head coach will lean heavily on their understudies while remaining a vital, consistent presence in a position Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley says has evolved.

The chief executive did his best to explain what exactly they’ll be looking for in Justin Langer’s replacement after the former Test opener’s four-year tenure ended in his resignation on Saturday.

Langer had already ceded power to his assistants following abrupt feedback from the playing group. 

His increased reliance in a support staff that includes new interim head coach Andrew McDonald coincided with a shock Twenty20 World Cup win and 4-0 Ashes dominance.

Hockley rejected the idea that the head coach role was becoming redundant, but said that delegation would continue to be key given the demanding three-format schedule facing whoever takes charge.

“We have seen specialist bowling, batting, fielding coaches really step up and own their departments,” Hockley said.

“It is very much that more an overseeing, strategic role.

“It’s really important to have a level of continuity and connection between the different formats.

“Something we will consider going forward is who takes a leading role on a particular campaign or particular series.

“That’s something that we’ve been talking about.

“What we are trying to do, what we want to see, is the evolution of everybody stepping up, owning the space, and taking accountability.”

McDonald can press his claims for the full-time gig when he leads the side in a white-ball series against Sri Lanka later this month and a historic return to Pakistan in March.

Other contenders include Australia’s former England coach Trevor Bayliss, former Test quick Jason Gillespie, Sydney Sixers coach Greg Shipperd and former Australian assistant and Surrey coach Michael Di Venuto.