Cricket Australia (CA) has finally appointed Andrew McDonald as Australia's head coach after Justin Langer's ouster. Langer's successor has been roped in on a four-year contract.
On Wednesday CA said that McDonald's contract had been made permanent after serving as interim coach since Langer did not agree to a short-term contract renewal back in February.
The 40-year-old oversaw the Aussies' historic 2-1 series victory in Pakistan and said he's honoured to earn the full-time role.
“The journey so far has been particularly pleasing, and I am honoured to be given this incredible opportunity for what is an exciting period ahead,” said McDonald.
“The journey so far has been particularly pleasing, and I am honoured to be given this incredible opportunity for what is an exciting period ahead. The success of the World Cup, the Ashes Series and now Pakistan has been testament to the hard work and leadership of Justin, Pat and Aaron along with the players and the support staff," he added.
“My plan is to build on the growth, depth and experience of the squad while working collectively with the group and across the game," the former Test all-rounder further added.
McDonald was also the head coach of the Indian Premier League's (IPL) franchise Rajasthan Royals as he parted ways with them back in 2021 despite signing a three-year deal in 2019.
McDonald joined Australia’s coaching team in 2019 after leading Victoria state and the Melbourne Renegades to all three domestic competition titles during the 2018-19 season. The former test all-rounder has also held head coaching roles in the Indian Premier League and in English county cricket. He had been senior assistant coach with Langer since joining the Australian team.
McDonald, who last week returned from the three-test tour of Pakistan, also led Australia to a 2-1 loss in the one-day series and a win in the only T20 International.
“We interviewed several excellent candidates for this role, which is one of the most important in Australian sport,“ said Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley.
“Andrew has already shown he is an outstanding head coach and the vision he outlined for the role during the appointment process was both impressive and exciting, making him our clear choice,“ he added.
Andrew McDonald's track record
1) At the age of just 33 McDonald was appointed head coach of Leicestershire. He was still playing professional cricket.
2) The young coach was credited with creating a cultural reset at the club, as they eventually snapped what became a 992-day drought without victory.
3) In August 2016, McDonald departed the UK to return home and take over as head coach of both Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades.
4) He led Victoria to two Sheffield Shield titles in three seasons in charge, plus a domestic one-day cup.
5) He spearheaded the Renegades to BBL 08 glory, the club’s first and only title to date.
6) In October 2019, McDonald was appointed Langer’s right-hand man. He led Australia’s ODI team away from home against India while Langer was on leave.
7) He also signed a three-year deal with IPL side Rajasthan Royals. The stint with the franchise was ended after an unsuccessful 2020 campaign.
