Reports: Puducherry rope in Shaun Tait as bowling coach ahead of upcoming domestic season

In what can be considered a significant development, the Puducherry team has appointed former Australian pacer Shaun Tait as bowling coach ahead of the upcoming domestic season. One of the fastest bowlers to have ever graced the game, Tait has enjoyed significant success at different levels. The speed merchant brought curtains to his playing career in 2017 and has been an active coach since then.

Notably, Tait was recently appointed the bowling coach of the Afghanistan national team. He bagged a five-month contract from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) which includes the T20 World Cup. However, the uncertainty in the nation following the takeover of the Taliban has put Tait’s stint under dark clouds. Nevertheless, the 2007 World Cup winner is set to join the Indian state team and many eyes will be on his tenure.

Shaun Tait is expected to mentor the pace bowlers: Sources

Although any official statement is yet to come, a report in MyKhel confirmed Tait’s hiring. “Tait has expressed his willingness to join the Puducherry team later this month. However, if he gets a call from Afghanistan he may join them and stay with the team before rejoining Puducherry for his duties,” sources in the Cricket Association of Pondicherry (CAP) were quoted as saying.

“Tait is also expected to mentor the pace bowlers at the CAP academy in Puducherry,” the sources added. Meanwhile, Tait has enjoyed an impressive run in Australian colours. The fast bowler featured in 35 ODIs and 21 T20Is, scalping 62 and 28 wickets respectively. He, in fact, was instrumental in taking Australia to the 2007 World Cup in West Indies.

While many backed Tait to break a ton of records at the highest level, injuries restricted the paceman. As a result, the fast bowler played his last international game in 2016 and announced retirement from all formats a year later. Nevertheless, the veteran started his new stint as a coach and his guidance will certainly be fruitful for Puducherry bowlers.

Meanwhile, Puducherry will feature in the Elite category in the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Vijay Hazare Trophy tournaments. D Rohit will lead the Puducherry team in the forthcoming domestic season and he’ll have a point to prove.