Michael Clarke, captain of the Australian Test team, wants to have his say on the topic closest to Aussie cricket fans’ hearts; who will be the next person to assume the role of head coach for the ancient side. Clarke said that a “strong bond” between captain and coach is essential, to ensure that Australia can compete at the highest level.
Australia’s previous coach, Tim Nielson, hung up his cricket jumper following his team’s 1-0 victory over Sri Lanka, earlier this week. His decision to leave was likely prompted by a recent shake-up in the way cricket clubs are operated. Nielson, who managed Australia from 2007, had been told that he would have to reapply for his job, as the role of coach was expanded to encompass greater responsibilities. Those placing cricket bets will know that the Australian set up is undergoing some big changes.
The Australian cricket team is pencilled in for a tour of South Africa, beginning October, which means that the side is desperate to appoint an “interim” manager, if not a fully-fledged head coach, before their plane leaves for Newlands, Cape Town. Former New South Wales cricketer, Steve Rixon, is a popular choice for the position of coach. Rixon was linked with the position prior to Nielson’s appointment, four years ago. People following live cricket online will be interested to see what happens.
Speaking about his involvement in the selection process, Michael Clarke said, “I would imagine that I would have some sort of impact. I will be communicating with James [Sutherland; CEO at Cricket Australia] to try and work out who they think the best person for the role is.” Clarke was reluctant to single out a particular person as the ‘best man for the job’, saying his input, in that respect, was “irrelevant”.