Cummins’ crew got its wish, as CA locks in new coach

Pat Cummins’ wishes were granted as Andrew McDonald was appointed head coach of the Australian men’s cricket team.

Andrew McDonald is Cricket Australia’s new Head Coach. He’ll call the shots in all three formats.

The 40-year-old has been interim since Justin Langer resigned in February and has since received rave reviews from captain Pat Cummins and the team. 

Last summer, Cummins was hesitant to endorse Langer continuing as coach. Once Langer’s exit was confirmed, he confirmed the players were after a new style of coaching.

Andrew McDonald, a former Australian and Victorian all-rounder, has been signed to a four-year contract.

McDonald played four Test matches for Australia, averaging 21.4 with the bat and 33.3 with the ball. He was a consistent contributor for Victoria.

‘Ronnie’ then coached Victoria and the Melbourne Renegades to four Australian domestic titles, including completing the Sheffield Shield, Marsh Cup and BBL treble in the same season, 2018-19.

McDonald has also coached the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.

More recently, he’s been the senior assistant and bowling coach with the Australian team since late 2019.

As interim, he got off to a great start, helping Australia win a Test series 1-0 in Pakistan.

“It’s not my place to employ the coach but ‘Ronnie’ has been fantastic,” captain Cummins said of McDonald after the win in Lahore. 

“Very diligent, very thorough, strategic, very organised.

“He’s a huge part of this tour win.”

McDonald said he is excited for the future and offered praise to his predecessor Langer.

“I am honoured to be given this incredible opportunity for what is an exciting period ahead,” McDonald said in a statement released by Cricket Australia.

“The success of the World Cup, the Ashes Series and now Pakistan has been testament to the hard work and leadership of Justin (Langer), Pat (Cummins) and Aaron (Finch) along with the players and the support staff.”

Now that Cummins has the coach in charge that he wanted, pressure will be on McDonald to deliver results as the Aussies face a heavy touring schedule over the next 18 months, starting with Sri Lanka in June.