Boof puts Dizzy in mix for coach role

Darren Lehmann has said Australia are closing in on appointing a full-time bowling coach to replace Craig McDermott, but would not be rushed into the decision.

Last week it was announced Western Australia bowling coach Adam Griffith had been drafted in for Australia's upcoming tour of the West Indies, where WA head coach Justin Langer would fill in for Lehmann.

And "Boof" said he expected Cricket Australia to secure someone in the role before the start of the Australian summer, hinting former Australia fast bowler Jason Gillespie was high on the list of candidates.

"It's in the throes. There are a few good candidates out there," Lehmann told FIVEaa radio on Thursday.

"We'll try and get someone in place by the start of the summer and we'll be fine."

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Australia's search for a new bowling mentor follows the departure of former assistant coach Craig McDermott at the end of the World T20 tournament in India.

Lehmann said both Australian and international candidates would be considered for the role after quizzed on the prospects for current Yorkshire and Adelaide Strikers head coach Gillespie.

"We'll have a look worldwide," Lehmann confirmed.

"But it's a tough one, we've got to get the right person for the right time for this group, which is a young group.

"Gillespie will certainly be at forefront with other bowling coaches. Hopefully we can entice him back."

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Following the retirements of Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson in 2015, Australia's pace attack is now led by Mitchell Starc, who is set to make his return from ankle surgery during the Caribbean tri-series.

Fast bowlers Nathan Coulter-Nile, Patrick Cummins, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson and Peter Siddle were all included in Cricket Australia's 2016-17 central contract list, as were allrounders James Faulkner, Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell as well as off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

That Gillespie's name would be on the wish-list of candidates for the role – which could also include former Test fast bowlers Ryan Harris, Andy Bichel, South Africa's Allan Donald and New Zealander Shane Bond – is hardly a surprise, but it remains to be seen whether the South Australian would be interested in giving up his current roles for the job.

Gillespie has just started his fifth season at the helm of England county side Yorkshire, having guided the team to the Division One title for the past two seasons, while he is contracted to coach the Strikers in the upcoming KFC Big Bash League season.

Lehmann, Australia's Bupa Support Team head coach, is in the midst of an extended two-month break from cricket and will sit out the Qantas Tour of the Caribbean in June as Langer takes the helm.

While he won't be directly involved with the tri-series against the West Indies and South Africa, Lehmann said he expected emerging batsman Travis Head – who shone in his Indian Premier League debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore on Wednesday – to be given opportunities to impress in his maiden one-day international tour.

"We're going to be in a good place, especially with the young guys coming through," Lehmann said.

"He (Head) is on the West Indies tour for first time as an Australian player and he'll get a good shot at it.

"He's highly regarded around Australia and he's served South Australia well as a captain and a young leader.

"We've got some good young bowlers coming through and I'm really happy with where the group is at."