According to reports, Cricket Australia today announced that former national cricketers Brad Haddin, Mike Hussey and his brother David Hussey would serve as assistant coaches to Australia “A” coach Troy Cooley in the upcoming series which will feature India “A”, South Africa “A” and the National performance Squad.
Brad Haddin, who played his last Test against England at Cardiff in the 2015 Ashes, is currently perusing his High-Performance Coaching Program qualification at the National Cricket Center in Brisbane. The 38-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman represented Australia in all the three formats and has more than 6,000 international runs to his name along with 500 dismissals as a keeper.
The New South Wales-born cricketer will join Cooley as the assistant coach for the four-day matches against South Africa ”A” in Brisbane before handing over the responsibility to former Australian teammate David Hussey.
David Hussey who has only represented Australia in the limited-overs format, hasn’t played an international game since 2013. The 38-year-old completed his High Performance (Level 3) coaching qualification last year also captained the Melbourne Stars during this year’s BBL. He has also been a player batting coach for Victoria in the past few seasons.
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Another former international cricketer Mike Hussey will also be on Cooley’s staff, helping him develop the upcoming Australian stars. The 41-year-old, who retired from international cricket in 2013, has worked in various coaching roles at the international stage. Known as “Mr. Cricket”, the left-handed batsman previously worked with the South African team in the 2015 World Cup and then with Australia in the World T20 earlier this year.
Rayn Harris also in the folds
The report also suggests that former fast bowler Rayn Harris will serve as an assistance coach to NCC High-Performance coach Graeme Hick for the NPS team during the series.
Cricket Australia's High-Performance Executive General Manager Pat Howard said that the integration of recently retired players into the Australian system provided vital experience for both the parties.
He said, "Brad, David and Mike have all continued to be very active even as their playing careers draw to a close, and their experience and insights will be prized when they have the chance to work with the young players who will get their opportunity during the A series.''
He also explained, “"The fact that each year we are able to encourage the likes of current or recently retired first class and international players to earn their coaching qualifications and put them into practice is very healthy for Australian cricket.''
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