DAVID Saker has been appointed as England fast bowling coach.
Saker joins the England set-up following a six-year tenure as assistant coach of Victoria who have won the past two Sheffield Shield crowns and four domestic Twenty20 titles in the past five years. The 43-year-old Australian, who was also head coach of the Delhi Daredevils during last year’s Champions League, takes over the post from Ottis Gibson who was appointed West Indies head coach in February.
Saker is expected to join the England team in time for the World Twenty20 in the Caribbean at the end of the month.
Saker said: “I believe I can offer the England bowlers a great deal and oversee their development at the highest level.
“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.”
England team director Andy Flower commented: “David has a wealth of playing and coaching experience and will be a valuable addition to the England set-up.
“His record with Victoria in recent times is second to none and he has managed the development of a number of top-class fast bowlers.”
Saker played first-class cricket for Victoria and Tasmania from 1994 to 2004. (Eurosport)