Former Australia legends, Ricky Ponting and Jason Gillespie, are expected to join the coaching staff of Australia, as per a report in Cricbuzz.
Since the reports have emerged that Darren Lehmann – Australia’s current Head Coach – has tendered his resignation, Australia will need new members in the coaching staff.
Nothing has been confirmed as of yet, but the reports suggests these two stand a strong chance of being roped in.
Starting from Ponting, he had worked with the Australian team in the capacity of a coach twice – both for a short-term period. First, he joined the coaching staff for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in 2017.
Under Justing Langer, Ponting joined Gilespie as an Assistant coach. Later, he played the same role during Trans-Tasman Trophy.
He was also announced the Head Coach of IPL franchise Delhi Daredevils in January.
Should he be roped in Australia’s backroom staff, he might have to leave his job at IPL.
Coming to Gilespie, the current coach of Sussex, he had worked once with Australia as a coach, as mentioned above.
Not confirmed, but Langer might also join the coaching staff, which will form one of the heaviest coaching staffs which any team have ever had.
Cricket Australia is not expected to make an official announcement soon. It will only be after lengthy discussions when the association might name a coach.
It is to be noted Shane Warne also showed interest in coaching Australia when it was confirmed that Lehmann would retire after Ashes 2019.
Many of the star players might show interest in the coaching role, as Australia will go on coach hunt soon.
Lehmann is yet to announce his resignation as coach officially It is learnt he will hold a press conference soon.
Though Steven Smith, Australia’s captain, denied his role in ‘Sandpaper Gate’, visuals showed he had a role in the sage. It was him who passed on the message to Peter Handscomb regarding Cameron Bancroft being caught – after watching it on the giant screen.
The investigation team also questioned Lehmann along with David Saker, Australia’s fast bowling coach. Cricket Australia will announce its verdict tomorrow morning (March 28).