Andrew McDonald will replace David Saker as the coach of the Melbourne Renegades for the upcoming edition of the Big Bash League. Saker has been appointed as the new bowling coach for the Australian national team.
The 35-year all-rounder played four Tests for Australia, making his debut in the new year’s Test against South Africa in 2009. He was also part of the Ashes squad, although he did not feature in a single game.
The former Australian U-19 player is currently the elite performance director for Leicestershire. He has a contract with them until the end of the 2017 season, and will return back to the English county side after his stint with the Renegades in the off-season.
McDonald was the captain of the Renegades in the 2011-12, averaging around 33 with two half-centuries to his name.
"I'm delighted to have been appointed head coach at the Melbourne Renegades and it's a role I'm very much looking forward to. The Big Bash League is extremely competitive and you do need some luck in this league but you create that as well." McDonald said.
McDonald’s stint at Leicestershire extends for eight months every year, after which he will coach the Australian T20 side in the off-season.
“The smarter we play as a team and the more pressure we can put on our opposition, the more we'll find ourselves in winning positions." he added.
Jason Gillespie, the former Australian fast-bowler, who also handles dual coaching roles across England and Australia, with jobs at Yorkshire and the Adelaide Strikers. Speaking to cricket.com.au, Gillespie said that coaching in the Big Bash League is a wonderful experience, and he would highly recommend it to McDonald.
A useful all-rounder, McDonald was purchased by the Delhi Daredevils for the 2009 edition of the Indian Premier League. He also featured for the Victoria Bushrangers in the Champions League T20 held in India the same year. He was purchased back by the Daredevils at a fresh auction in 2011, and was bought by the Royal Challengers Bangalore the very next year.
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