MELBOURNE, Dec 23: There might be doubts over a number of spots in the Australian cricket set-up, but the coach Tim Nielsen is not one of them after having his contract extended by two years.

Nielsen replaced John Buchanan last year and was originally signed until the end of the 2009 Ashes.

Veteran opening batsman Matthew Hayden and fast bowler Brett Lee have been out of form since the India series and there has been no sign of a long-term spinner emerging, but Cricket Australia is looking for stability and Nielsen will be in charge until the 2011 World Cup.

Since Nielsen, 40, has been in charge he has overseen eight Test wins, four draws and four losses.

However, in the past year that has included the loss of the CB Series, a 2-0 Test defeat in India and the record-breaking result for South Africa in Perth on Sunday.

“We continue to be impressed by the way he goes about his job,” James Sutherland, Cricket Australia’s chief executive, said on Tuesday.

“We’re obviously delighted that Tim’s going to be with us for this extended period and we know that players and administrators have great confidence in his ability.”—Agencies