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Quick supports specialist coaches

Cricket Australia’s move to employ specialist Test and limited overs bowling coaches has been supported by injured fast bowler James Pattinson.

Recovering from a stress fracture he suffered during the Lord’s Ashes Test, Pattinson says he is excited by the prospect of dedicated bowling coaches.

“It’s fantastic,” says Pattinson.

"As I a bowler you want as much help as possible. 

"To have those two blokes there who have a wealth of knowledge is fantastic.

“Ali did a great job for us and obviously we all know what Billy is like, he did a great job with us beforehand during the Indian series where I made my debut, and a lot of the other boys know Billy quite well.

“He’s very good at what he does.

“It’s fantastic to have Billy back in the fold and will be good to work with him again.”

QUICK SINGLE: Pattinson ahead of schedule

The decision to dedicate the roles had been considered for some time according to General Manager Team Performance Pat Howard.

Howard said on the appointment: “Given the amount of cricket played now in all three forms of the game, we’ve been considering our coaching structure to get the best out of the players across the various formats.

“We also feel that with the amount of touring now it is extremely difficult for every member of the support staff to be on every tour."

de Winter took over the role left by McDermott last August, developing the already impressive fast bowling battery into a world-class attack.

However, the stresses of three formats and the disparity between tactics makes the move a sensible one believes Pattinson.

“I think the hardest part as a bowler is adjusting between all three forms.

“Now we can have a specialist in limited overs and a specialist in the Tests it will make it a bit easier for the bowlers adjusting for the coach as well.

“They’ll have their set plans for the limited overs stuff and then Billy can work solely on Test match cricket.

“It will give us a little bit more clarity as a bowler jumping between the three forms.”

Pattinson welcomes back McDermott, eager to build on their already strong relationship since making his debut against New Zealand in 2011 at the Gabba.

The Victorian speedster took five wickets in the second innings of that match, then six wickets in his first Test against India, including the scalps of Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni.

“I’ve got a great relationship with Billy, and kept a pretty close friendship with him since last time he was in the squad and over the last couple years as well.

“Obviously he just drives it into you about getting the ball into the right area; he picks up little things on your action as well.

"He’s very good like that and I think the big thing about him he’s got a great mentality about fast bowling.

“He’s hard at you, he doesn’t let you off guard very often, and he’s always on your case so that’s fantastic from a bowlers point of view.”

McDermott’s first series in the job is a small one: the 2013-14 Ashes.