MillenniumPost
Sports

Bichel doesn't want to be Aussie bowling coach

Andy Bichel, bowling coach of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Chennai Super Kings, says he does not want to be Australia's next bowling coach because of the heavy demands of touring.

Bichel, also an Australian selector, however, believes that the applicant to replace Craig McDermott, who quit last week, will be a former international bowler.

'I got down to the last four last time and it's hard because it's something I'd love to do, but 230 days away from home is a long time on the road,' Bichel was quoted as saying in the Age newspaper.

The former Australia fast bowler said: 'I got to the interview last time and was asked if I could commit (to the touring schedule) and I said no.'

Bichel, who played 19 Tests and 67 one-day internationals, believes Cricket Australia should find someone like McDermott to mentor the young bunch of fast bowlers.

'With so many young guys coming through the system, I think you need someone who has played international cricket and who can teach them the stuff in the middle more than the technical stuff, how to get people out,' he said. 'That was one of the great bonuses with Craig.'

Tasmanian assistant coach Allister de Winter and New Zealand national bowling coach Damien Wright are the front runners to replace McDermott, although neither played his country.

David Saker, a key member of the England coaching staff, is in the same category.

Top fast bowlers Allan Donald and Jason Gillespie have recently committed to South Africa and Yorkshire respectively.

Next Story
Share it