Saker departs assistant coach role

Australia assistant coach David Saker will leave the national setup, having handed in his resignation on Thursday.

Saker has been in charge of Australia's bowling group since 2016, but will depart ahead of a crucial period for the national team with the World Cup and Ashes series in England later this year.

Troy Cooley will oversee the bowling group for Australia's upcoming ODI series against India and Pakistan, while further information regarding the coaching structure will be released ahead of the World Cup and Ashes.

Head coach Justin Langer paid tribute to Saker and thanked him for the contribution he has made over the last three summers.

“I’d like to thank David for his significant contribution, in particular for the role he played in helping develop a core group of Australian pace bowlers," Langer said. 

"I wish David all the best for the next chapter in his coaching career."

Just what the next chapter entails for Saker remains unclear, although the former Victoria coach is looking forward to taking a break and finding a new role in the future.

"I'd like to thank Cricket Australia for the opportunity to help coach the Australian Men's Team over the past three seasons," Saker said.

"I've enjoyed my time with the team, in particular working closely with a great group of fast bowlers and in time will look forward to a new coaching role."

A former seamer for Victoria and Tasmania, Saker rose to prominence in 2011 when he helped England win an Ashes series on Australian soil in his role as bowling coach.

He then led Victoria to a Sheffield Shield title in 2016 in his only season in charge of the state side, before landing a role with Cricket Australia.

Australia's World Cup fixtures

June 1: Afghanistan v Australia, Bristol (D/N)

June 6: Australia v West Indies, Trent Bridge

June 9: India v Australia, The Oval

June 12: Australia v Pakistan, Taunton

June 15: Sri Lanka v Australia, The Oval

June 20: Australia v Bangladesh, Trent Bridge

June 25: England v Australia, Lord's

June 29: New Zealand v Australia, Lord's (D/N)

July 6: Australia v South Africa, Old Trafford (D/N)

July 9: Semi-Final 1, Old Trafford

July 11: Semi-Final 2, Edgbaston

July 14: Final, Lord's

For a full list of all World Cup fixtures, click HERE