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SYDNEY: Former Test paceman Craig McDermott has beaten a strong international field to become the Australian team's new bowling coach, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.
CA also announced that former Test opener Justin Langer has been re-appointed as team assistant coach to head coach Tim Nielsen for another 12 months.
McDermott, 46, who took 291 wickets at 28.63 in 71 Tests between 1984 and 1996, replaces Troy Cooley in the role after Cooley became the Centre of Excellence head coach following last summer's failed Ashes campaign against England.
“His impressive record as an international player, during which he successfully overcame a number of setbacks, combined with his recent record at the Cricket Australia Centre of Excellence and with the Australia team in Bangladesh, all impressed us that he was the outstanding candidate for this role,” CA general manager Michael Brown said.
“He will provide valuable support to the new Test captain Michael Clarke, coach Tim Nielsen and the playing group.”
McDermott takes over at a promising time for Australian fast-bowling with youngsters Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Peter George and Pat Cummins all coming through the ranks at state level.
Test bowlers Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus are also all relatively young.
Brown and Nielsen interviewed a number of Australian and overseas' candidates for the 12-month appointment.
“We've got some challenging tours ahead in the coming months but I'm excited at the opportunity to be part of the group that helps get Australia back to number one in all forms of cricket,” McDermott said in a statement.
CA also announced Thursday an extension to Langer's contract as team assistant coach.
“Justin's record as a player and then over the last 18 months, as coach, leader and mentor within the Australia team coaching group, speaks for itself and we are all delighted he has agreed to continue his outstanding work with the Australia team,” Brown said.
Langer, 40, said he was thrilled with the renewed opportunity with the team and to further his development as a coach.
