Australian bowling coach David Saker has handed in his resignation at Cricket Australia after a testing summer for Australia’s bowling group.
Justin Langer’s senior assistant coach has quit with immediate effect with Cricket Australia on Thursday confirming he will not be involved in Australia’s limited overs series against India and Pakistan.
Saker joined the Aussie team in 2016 following his success with Victoria and England.
Cricket Australia’s interim high performance chief Belinda Clark confirmed that former Aussie bowling coach Troy Cooley will return to his old position, but also stressed there is no guarantee he will remain as Langer’s assistant for the ODI World Cup and Ashes in England this year.
“It became clear to both of us that this was the right time for David to step away,” Clark said of Saker in a statement.
“We will provide further information on the coaching structure surrounding the World Cup and Ashes in due course.”
“Troy Cooley has been appointed Assistant Coach for the upcoming ODI series against India and Pakistan to oversee the coaching of the bowling group. Troy is a well-respected coach with great experience having previously worked with the English and Australian Men’s teams.”
Langer said it was time for a new direction.
“David and I have had ongoing discussions over the past nine months about his role with the team, and we agreed it’s the right time to head in a different direction in the best interests of the team,” Langer said.
“I’d like to thank David for his significant contribution, in particular in the role he has played in helping develop a core group of Australian pace bowlers.”
“I wish David all the best for the next chapter in his coaching career.”
