Andrew McDonald has been named as the permanent head coach of the Australian men’s team, with a four-year deal.
McDonald took over the post on an interim basis after Justin Langer’s resignation in February, and oversaw Australia’s 1-0 victory over Pakistan in the World Test Championship series.
On the same tour, the Australians went on to win ten ODI Super League points and the solitary T20I in Lahore.
McDonald’s appointment was confirmed by Cricket Australia on Wednesday morning.
McDonald joined the Australian team as an assistant coach in 2019 after a successful coaching career in domestic cricket, winning the Sheffield Shield and One Day Cups with Victoria and the Big Bash League’s eighth season with the Melbourne Renegades.
McDonald, who was a key part of Australia’s victorious 2021 T20 World Cup campaign and Ashes series victory this summer, faces a difficult 12 months ahead, with trips to Sri Lanka and India before of their World Cup title defence in October and November.
“I am honoured to be given this wonderful chance for what will be an exciting period ahead,” McDonald said of the journey thus far.
“My strategy is to build on the squad’s growth, depth, and experience while working as a team and across the game.” In the short term, there are numerous difficulties that I am sure excite the leadership team, players, and staff. I’d also like to express my gratitude to my family for their help.”
McDonald beat off a slew of other contenders for the job, which Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley calls “one of the most important in Australian sport.”
“Andrew has already proven himself to be an excellent Head Coach, and the vision he described for the position during the appointment process was both impressive and exciting, making him an obvious pick.”
“We’re delighted of the way Andrew, Pat (Cummins), and Aaron (Finch) led the squad and the respect they showed during the Pakistan tour, and we’re thrilled Andrew is taking over the role permanently.”
McDonald will be the head coach in all three formats, while Executive General Manager of High Performance and National Teams Ben Oliver admits that split coaching teams may be necessary in some instances.
“Given the heavy schedule ahead and the potential to continue to educate our coaches and players, certain white ball series may be managed by an assistant.”
