Australia appoint Saker as coach

The Melbourne Renegades are on the hunt for a new head coach for the upcoming KFC Big Bash League season, after David Saker was unveiled as Cricket Australia's next full-time assistant coach on Thursday.

Saker, who took over the role last year, will join the Aussie team for the Qantas Tour of South Africa in late September.

Saker had previously held the role of fast-bowling coach role with the England cricket team between 2010 and 2015, before taking over as head coach of the Victorian Bushrangers and Melbourne Renegades last season.

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Melbourne Renegades Chief Executive Stuart Coventry praised Saker’s efforts, saying the club would now begin an international search for a new head coach as they look to make the BBL finals for a second time this summer.

"This is obviously a fantastic opportunity for David in his coaching career and while we’re disappointed to lose him, we fully support his move into the coaching ranks with Australia. He has a breadth of local and international experience that will very valuable to the Australian setup," Coventry said.

"On behalf of everyone at the club I’d like to thank him for his energy and efforts with the Renegades and wish him well for this exciting next stage in his coaching career."

South Africa great Allan Donald is currently filling the role of fast bowling coach with the Australian team on the Qantas Tour of Sri Lanka. Former Australia seamer Craig McDermott vacated that role after Australia's unsuccessful World T20 campaign, having helped guide the national team to the top of the Test and one-day rankings.

Bupa Support Team head coach Darren Lehmann said Saker's previous experience would be invaluable.

"David’s experience working around the world with international teams will be invaluable, especially as we work toward the upcoming Indian Test series and the Ashes," said Lehmann.

"His technical expertise in all facets of the game is a real bonus and very important when working with the young group we have.

"We spoke with a lot of people about this role and really took our time deciding what direction we wanted to go. David’s appointment gives us good clarity in our senior coaching group."

New Renegades signing Brad Hogg was quizzed about the possibility of Saker's departure earlier this week.

"If he’s got other opportunities, that’s what cricket is all about, isn’t it?" Hogg said.

"If someone takes those bigger opportunities that’s what the game is about, to take those challenges when they come. If he moves on, that’s a bigger challenge for us. That’s great. The wheels keep turning. No one is bigger than the game and there’s always someone there to fill the shoes."

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Saker said he was looking forward to the opportunity.

"It's been a brilliant experience – firstly coming back to Australia after my time in the UK and to taste success in Sheffield Shield in the first season was a fantastic feeling – it brought back all my memories as a player with Victoria," Saker said.

"Obviously I am looking forward to this opportunity and joining the Australian ranks.

"I have no doubt I’ll still be in regular contact with many of the players I’ve coached at Victoria when they play at the national level."