SPORTS: Andrew MacDonald appointed head coach of the Australian cricket team

Australia top cricket body has appointed Andrew MacDonald as national coach two months after the unexpected resignation of Justin Langer.   ...

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Australia top cricket body has appointed Andrew MacDonald as national coach two months after the unexpected resignation of Justin Langer.

 

"I think Andrew MacDonald will do a great job," said Michael Clarke.

Andrew MacDonald, 40, received a four-year contract on February 5 following the sudden resignation of Justin Langer after receiving praise for his performance as interim coach.

He works at one of the top jobs in Australia where cricket is an integral part of the country identity and the team accomplishments have often captivated the public.

 

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"This is an exciting opportunity and an exciting responsibility, I am really happy and grateful," Andrew MacDonald told reporters after Cricket Australia confirmed his appointment.

Andrew MacDonald returned from a successful tour of Pakistan last week where he won the Test series and the only Twenty20.

Justin Langer resigned after failing to garner public support for key players, including captain Pat Cummins, despite playing a key role in Australia 4-0 victory over arch-rivals England and their first T20 World Cup title.

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Justin Langer has also been blamed for reviving a "bitter Australian cricket culture" that led to the 2018 Sandpaper Gate ball tampering scandal.

After the resignation of Justin Langer, the angry players complained to the Australian media about his strict coaching style without revealing their identities.

Full compliment

In contrast, limited-overs captain Aaron Finch praised former Test all-rounder Andrew MacDonald calm demeanor.

Aaron Finch told reporters shortly after taking over Andrew MacDonald interim responsibility: "He is never bothered by any situation or outcome. There is 100% focus on details.

Cricket Australia said Andrew MacDonald would be head coach in all formats but some whiteball series could be led by an assistant to reduce the significant workload in the future.

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"I think he will do a great job," said former Australia Test captain Michael Clarke, referring to Andrew MacDonald's appointment.

However, he warned that the Australian cricket team would be under pressure to perform with Andrew McDonald, who had been Justin Langer assistant since 2019.

"I think that exactly what the players want, which puts extra pressure on them if they don perform," Clarke told Sky Sports Radio.

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Michael Clarke predicted that as captain, Pat Cummins would face particularly intense pressure.

Michael Clarke said: "They almost fired Justin Langer and that what the players wanted."

Pat Cummins has denied that Justin Langer resignation was due to a player's revolt, saying he did not publicly support or criticize him but tried to show due respect for the procedure.

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Andrew MacDonald played four Tests for Australia, including the biggest innings of 68 against South Africa. He also played for Victoria and South Australia before coaching. He played for English county side Leicestershire in 2014. Started as head coach.

Cricket Australia Executive General Manager for High Performance Ben Oliver said Andrew has done a great job as interim head coach and has had a positive impact on the team.

"I look forward to supporting Andrew and the team as we come up with an exciting plan, which includes tours to Sri Lanka and India, home summer before the T20 World Cup and Ashes series," he said.