Andrew McDonald appointed as Australia's full-time head coach

Andrew McDonald has been confirmed as Australia’s full-time head coach for all three formats. As the former all-rounder has signed a four-year deal, he’ll be in charge till 2026. McDonald has been associated with the national team as senior assistant and bowling mentor since late 2019. He even took over as interim coach for the Pakistan tour following the resignation of Justin Langer earlier this year.

The Aussies stunned Pakistan in the historic tour, clinching the three-match Test series 1-0. While the Men in Yellow lost the ODI leg 1-2, they bounced back and clinched the one-off T20I. The national team’s performance on Pakistan soil is speculated to have played a major role in McDonald’s appointment. Notably, McDonald also coached the national team on numerous occasions during Langer’s tenure when the latter needed rest.

This includes an ODI series in India in 2020, a five-match T20I tour of New Zealand in 2021, and a five-match home T20I series against Sri Lanka earlier this year. “The journey so far has been particularly pleasing, and I am honoured to be given this incredible opportunity for what is an exciting period ahead,” McDonald said in an official statement.

I am honoured to be given this incredible opportunity: Andrew McDonald

“The success of the World Cup, the Ashes Series and now Pakistan has been testament to the hard work and leadership of Justin, Pat and Aaron [Finch] along with the players and the support staff,” he added. Meanwhile, McDonald has vast coaching experience as he mentored teams like Victoria and Melbourne Renegades to several Australian domestic titles and a Big Bash League (BBL) title respectively.

He even served the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals as the head coach. Hence, he would be determined to take the Australian side to greater heights in his tenure. “My plan is to build on the growth, depth and experience of the squad while working collectively with the group and across the game. There are many challenges in the short-term which I know excites the leadership group, the players and the staff. I’d also like to thank my family for their support,” the 40-year-old asserted.