Under him, the Kangaroos also won the 2015 World Cup at home besides sitting atop the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings in both Test and one-day international cricket.
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“2019 is such a big year for Australian cricket and we wanted certainty and stability for the playing group with both the coach and assistant coach [David Saker] contracted as we build towards the Ashes series and the 2019 World Cup”, said Howard.
With a view to filling in for Lehmann should he look to take a break from the relentless touring schedule that sees Australia complete their two-month Qantas Tour of Sri Lanka in September and head straight to South Africa for a series of ODIs against the Proteas and Ireland.
“We want to see as many fans come and watch us as possible, and we need to ensure we continue to play that entertaining brand of cricket so that ultimately we have more people wanting to watch and play this great game”. Australia are scheduled to visit India early next year.
Cricket Australia has announced that head coach Darren Lehmann has extended his contract until 2019, but is likely to depart when the deal expires.
Australia suffered their seventh consecutive loss in away Tests against subcontinental teams when they were beaten by a spirited Sri Lankan side in the opening of the three-match series by 106 runs in Kandy last week.
“Probably the spinning ball on the sub-continent [is our biggest challenge] you would think”.
Lehmann had replaced Mickey Arthur as Australia’s coach only two weeks before the 2013 Ashes series. “For us, it is probably more the sub-continent conditions at the moment, getting prepared for that, with the next two Test matches here and then India”. “So whatever opportunities we can give to the guys along the way we certainly will do”. As I’ve always said, it’s the best job in the world.
“I love the job, but it’s a job you can’t do forever either”.
“And then it’s up to the (Cricket Australia) Board and Team Performance department what they do from there”.
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“I am incredibly grateful for the support and faith Cricket Australia and the players have put in me”. Australian cricket board said that the contract extension would provide stability to the team leading into 2019. I think you’ve got to play well and win a lot of games of cricket basically as a coach. “It’s about continuing to grow the game from the grassroots up in Australia, and helping to grow the game worldwide”, he added.
