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McDermott re-signs for two years

Coach to lead Australian attack into 2016

Cricket Australia has today announced that Assistant Coach Craig McDermott will remain with the national side into 2016, the former Australian quick signing on for another two years. 

McDermott came back into the national fold ahead of Australia’s successful home Commonwealth Bank Ashes Series and Tour of South Africa on a short-term contract, his return coinciding with two series wins and the side’s rise back to the top of the Test rankings.

Since taking charge, McDermott has turned a formidable bowling unit into the world’s most fearsome attack, Australia outshining their number-one-ranked South African opponents to the tune of 53 wickets at an average of 29.81 compared to the Proteas’ 44 wickets at 42.70.

He also boasts two bowlers (Ryan Harris and Johnson) ranked in the world’s top four and three (Peter Siddle) in the top 10.

CA Executive General Manager Team Performance Pat Howard said McDermott’s experience combined with strong relationships amongst the bowling group had played a key role in the side’s recent success.

“Craig has built a really strong rapport with the bowling group,” Howard said.

“Combine that with the international experience and technical expertise, it has proved to be a successful combination in recent times and we’re keen to see that continue.”

Howard said McDermott would also be given more coaching responsibility to broaden his experience.

“We’re also keen for Craig to continue to grow and develop as a coach,” he said.

“Craig will also do a bit more work with the limited overs players, along with Ali de Winter, as we head towards the World Cup early next year.

“As part of his role he will be closely connected to the work being done at the National Cricket Centre to ensure he is aligned to also developing players for the future.”

McDermott said he was excited to continue the work he had done with the quicks during the summer and to tighten that bond even further. 

“I feel like we’ve got a really good group at the moment,” the former Australian quick said.

“It’s really been great to build this close bond with them all - the boys call it the fast bowling cartel, but we also let Nathan Lyon in – and we’re all really motivated to keep that going.

“I’m also looking forward to taking on more responsibility and to work closely with Darren Lehmann to broaden my coaching skills and, alongside Michael Di Venuto, to ensure we’re a well-oiled coaching unit.

“While it’s a great achievement that we’ve reached number one in the world in Test and ODI cricket, our goal is to maintain that.

“We’ve got a huge 12-18 months coming up which includes hosting India who have some really talented and dangerous batsmen that we’ll need to do our homework on and a World Cup on home soil in front of a home crowd and holding our number one ranking.

“I also know cricket fans will have an eye on the Ashes in England next year and while the players certainly live in the present, coaches are always forward planning so I’ll be keeping a bit of an eye on what the English are up to.

“I can’t wait to get stuck in to it all.”