Andrew McDonald Appointed as Australia New Coach After Justin Langer’s Abrupt Departure
In a four-year contract, Andrew McDonald will lead the Australian men’s cricket squad.
Despite much debate over whether the post would be divided between red and white ball coaches, Cricket Australia has announced that McDonald would coach Australia in all three forms.
The contract runs through 2026.
McDonald succeeds Justin Langer, who stepped down after the last Ashes series.
Langer was allegedly granted a short-term extension till the conclusion of the T20 World Cup in Australia this year but declined it because the side wanted a change.
As interim coach, McDonald led Australia to a historic three-Test series win in Pakistan, their first visit to the country since 1998.
In his first job as a full-time coach, McDonald will likely travel to India, which will include a neutral Test against Afghanistan, before coming home for the summer T20 World Cup, Tests against the West Indies and South Africa, and a white ball series against England.
McDonald’s deal includes the T20 World Cups in 2022, 2024, and 2026 (hosted by Australia, West Indies, and the USA), as well as the one-day World Cup in 2023 (hosted by India).
The next World Test Championship cycle and at least one home and away Ashes series will be highlights of his four-year tenure, while the tour schedule beyond 2023 is still to be decided.
Both Test and white ball captains have backed the appointment, with the playing group understood to be engaged in both decisions.
