Australia recently had an eventful Tour of Pakistan. Australia won the World Test Championship series against Pakistan by 1-0. While they also won the T20I, Pakistan had clinched the 3-ODI series. Andrew McDonald has been serving as the interim coach of the team on the tour. Since February, following Justin Langer’s resignation. Andrew McDonald has taken the charge of the Australian men’s team on an interim basis. However, the team has shown some good performances under his guidance. Cricket Australia has now appointed Andrew McDonald as the head coach of the Men’s team. A four-year contract was signed between the two parties.
The Australian all-rounder has represented Australia in 4 Tests. Whereas, he has played a lot of domestic cricket for Victoria and South Australia teams. In IPL, McDonald has played for Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Andrew McDonald appointed as head coach
In 2018, Justin Langer was appointed as the head coach. Soon after, McDonald was appointed as the assistant coach of the Australia Men’s team. However, the senior players and staff doubted if Langer is the right choice for the coach in a long term. They were ready to offer him a short-term deal. But, Langer decided to fight for his job. Resultantly, Justin Langer resigned from his post in February.
So, Andrew McDonald was the obvious choice as the successor. Australia’s good performance in the World Test Championship series added to it. Now, Andrew has signed a 4-year contract with Cricket Australia.
“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. My plan is to build on the growth, depth and experience of the squad while working collectively with the group and across the game. There are many challenges in the short-term which I know excites the leadership group, the players and the staff. I’d also like to thank my family for their support.”
Andrew McDonald, head coach, Australia Men’s team
Andrew McDonald’s coaching career
Earlier, McDonald has coached several domestic teams in Australia. Under his coaching, he led Victoria to win the Sheffield Shield and One day events. As well as in the IPL, he has coached two different franchises- Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals. After serving as the interim coach for more than 2 months, he now starts his full-time tenure as Cricket Austalia’s Men’s head coach.
