David Saker roped in as Australia’s assistant coach

Melbourne: Victoria’s head coach David Saker has been appointed as Australia’s full-time assistant coach, thus taking up the post vacated by Craig McDermott earlier this year.

Australia head coach Darren Lehmann confirmed the news and said that David’s technical expertise in all facets of the game would turn out to be beneficial for his young lads.

Reflecting on his appointment, Saker admitted that he could not pass up the opportunity to work with Australia, adding that he is incredibly excited to work with the team.

“The opportunity to work with Australia’s best cricketers and coaches is one that I simply couldn’t pass up and I am incredibly excited. With two day-night Tests against South Africa and Pakistan this summer, it’s a great time to enter the Australian set-up,”Saker was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Saker, who served as England’s bowling coach from 2010 to 2015, is also expected to step in as interim Australia’s acting head coach later next year in order to provide Lehmann with some break.

The 50-year-old, who also guided Victoria to the Sheffield Shield title in 2015-16, will take over the new role ahead of the five-match ODI series against South Africa, starting September 30 at Super Sport Park in Centurion. (ANI)