England appoints Saker as bowling coach

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Former fast bowler David Saker has followed in the footsteps of fellow Australian Troy Cooley and been appointed as England's new fast bowling coach. More... From Times Online April 8, 2010 ECB appoints David Saker as England fast-bowling coach Richard Hobson and Patrick Kidd The ECB has appointed David Saker, an Australian, to the post of England fast-bowling coach and denied reports that Craig McDermott, the former Australia Test bowler, was first offered the post. Saker, 43, has been assistant coach of Victoria for six years and succeeds Ottis Gibson, who became head coach of West Indies in February. He is expected to join the team for the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean at the end of the month and then begin to plot how England can defend the Ashes in his homeland next winter. Hugh Morris, the managing director of England Cricket, described the recruitment process as “exhaustive”. As well as McDermott, Allan Donald, who rejected the job before Gibson came on board, was also shortlisted. Comparisons are bound to be made between Saker and Troy Cooley, another Australian who was the influential bowling coach behind England’s 2005 success and is now working for Cricket Australia. “I believe I can offer the England bowlers a great deal and oversee their development at the highest level,” Saker said. “This role will be challenging but there’s no question I’m looking forward to working with the impressive crop of bowlers currently in and around the England team.” Saker was a strong, wholehearted bowler who took 247 wickets at an average of 30.10 in 72 first-class appearances. Morris will have noted that he mastered the art of swing bowling, and knowledge of the Kookaburra ball used in Test matches overseas Test cricket will be invaluable. Under Saker and Greg Shipperd, the Victoria head coach, the state have won the past two Sheffield Shield titles and four domestic Twenty20 competitions.