Cricket Australia has today confirmed that former South African fast-bowler Allan Donald will join the national team’s ranks as bowling coach for the upcoming Qantas tour of Sri Lanka.
Allan Donald.
Donald, who also was the bowling coach for South Africa from 2011 to 2015 and is the current bowling coach for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL, played 72 Tests and 164 one-day internationals in his 20-year career and is widely regarded one of South Africa’s most successful fast bowlers of all time.
Bupa Support Staff Head Coach Darren Lehmann said it was a massive coup to have an ex-player of Allan’s calibre involved in the national set-up.
“He brings a wealth of experience with him and our guys will benefit greatly from having him around.
“His Test record speaks for itself and he was without a doubt one of the most formidable bowlers of his generation.
“He has also had considerable success in sub-continent conditions and will bring a fresh perspective, and challenge some of our thinking.”
Former Australian batsman Stuart Law has also been appointed to undertake the role of batting coach for the Test component of the Sri Lankan tour while current batting coach Greg Blewett takes leave for the birth of his second child.
Law has previously coached the Sri Lankan and Bangladesh national sides before returning to Australia to undertake a number of coaching roles including the Australian U19 team, the batting coach of the Australian men’s team and the head coach position at the my FootDr Queensland Bulls.
Commenting on Law’s appointment Lehmann said: “It’s great to have Stu back in the Australian team for this period.
“He has been doing some great work at the National Cricket Centre with our age-grade teams and Australia A, and his knowledge of batting in Sri Lanka is a huge advantage for us on this tour.”
Former Indian spin bowler Sridharan Sriram has also been confirmed as the fielding consultant for the Test component of the tour. Sriram has previously worked with the Australian Men’s team during the Qantas Tour of South Africa in March.
“Sri was a great addition to our coaching group in South Africa and provided a terrific perspective for our players. His knowledge of sub-continental conditions will also be an added bonus for us.”
Cricket Australia is aiming to have permanent appointments in place for the current coaching vacancies by the start of the Australia summer.