Australia's next cricket coach could come from left field with officials pledging to think "outside the square" in their global hunt.
Fresh from appointing a former rugby international to a key post, Cricket Australia (CA) signalled hot favourite Steve Rixon isn't in a one-horse race for the coaching job.
Former Wallaby Pat Howard, now CA's general manager team performance, will be a central figure in the search for the next coach.
Frontrunner ... fielding coach Steve Rixon. Photo: Getty Images
Howard was involved in the process that led to New Zealander Robbie Deans being chosen as Australia's rugby coach.
With the possibility of a non-Australian coaching the national cricket team for the first time, CA chief executive James Sutherland said unconventional thinking would be integral to the coach search.
"This is a pivotal role and we are thinking globally and also outside the square," Sutherland said in a statement.
"International success as a player and/or coach may well be worthwhile attributes.
"But we will look far more broadly in assessing individuals against the specific criteria we regard as necessary for success in this role."
Sutherland said he wanted a new coach appointed "as soon as possible".
"But by the same token, it is more important to get the right person for this critical role than it is to be driven by a self-imposed deadline," he said.
Rixon is considered a short-priced favourite to fill the coaching position vacated by Tim Nielsen last month.
Rixon, a former NZ coach, is Australia's fielding coach and has a close bond with captain Michael Clarke, who will be canvassed about the next head coach.
Former South African coach Mickey Arthur, now with Western Australia, ex-Sri Lankan coach and Australian servant Tom Moody, and long-time Australian Test batsman Justin Langer are also believed to be candidates.
Sutherland said the new coaching job, as specified by the sweeping Argus review, differed from the traditional position.
" ... This role is broader than previous team coaching roles," he said.
"As such, the successful applicant needs to be someone who can, in time, progressively step up to work more closely with state coaches and the Centre of Excellence."
Sports management consultancy firm Crank Sports, previously involved with AFL clubs seeking new coaches, have been appointed to assist Sutherland and Howard find a coach.
No comments:
Post a Comment