Shane Warne willing to coach Australian team after Darren Lehmann

What’s the story?

Former Australian legend Shane Warne has expressed his interest in coaching the Australian cricket team.

“I’ve always been open to (coaching) any country, but obviously I would love to coach Australia – not coach Australia but be part of the Australian set-up if they needed it,” Warne was quoted by Wide World of Sports as saying.

The details

Warne also said that Australia have got plenty of good coaches around which includes batting and bowling coaches and that if there is an opportunity available in the future to take up the responsibility, he is willing to give it a crack.

Also, Warne said that it might also happen that incumbent coach, Darren Lehmann asks him to take over, he is willing to consider it.

Darren Lehmann, who was present during the conversation, said that he is not willing to renew his contract after 2019.

In case you didn’t know…

Current Australian coach Darren Lehmann announced that he will step down from the role after the 2019 Ashes in England.

Lehmann, who was given the job in 2013, has enjoyed a largely fruitful tenure with the Australian team. He has won two home Ashes and also went on to win the 2015 World Cup.

What’s next?

It will be interesting to see if the Australian cricket board does take into cognisance this new development as there is no doubt over the prowess of Shane Warne as a cricketing brain.

However, considering the process cricketing boards follow to appoint any new coach, the decision could yet be made without considering the candidature of the former legend in Australian cricket.

Author’s take

It is a widespread belief in cricketing parleys that Shane Warne could have been a brilliant captain owing to his cricketing pedigree and his ability to read the game at all times.

If Australia wish to get the most of Warne's ability as a thinker of the game, they could well offer him a role in the years to come.