Tim Paine appointed as Australia A’s Head Coach for series against Sri Lanka A

Tim Paine will be joined by national pace bowling coach Adam Griffith, Australian women’s team assistant coach Scott Prestwidge and Northern Territory Cricket’s Pathway and Development coach Trent Keep as part of the Australia A coaching group for the series against Sri Lanka A in Darwin from July 4. 

Paine has worked with the Australian women’s team and Australia A men’s program during the past two years in a support capacity and coached the PM’s XI against India last December. 

Paine will continue to provide coaching support to the Australian women’s team at selected times throughout the upcoming season in addition to his Australia A and Adelaide Strikers commitments.
 
The National Selection Panel (NSP) has chosen 12 men’s players to visit the MRF Academy in Chennai from 31 July to August 13. 
 
The 13-day visit is predominantly focused on emerging batters, wicketkeepers and spin bowlers, the NSP feel will benefit from experiencing the unique conditions of sub-continent cricket.  
 
Cricket Australia’s relationship with the MRF Academy allows for a customised experience for those chosen. The schedule combines match play with intense training opportunities, along with access to strength and conditioning facilities.  

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Cricket Australia’s Senior Program Manager (men’s cricket), Brian McFadyen, will travel as tour manager alongside Australia U19s and New South Wales coach Anthony Clark, South Australia batting coach Stephen Stubbings and Cricket Queensland Academy coach Greg Moller. 

Uncontracted left-arm finger-spinner Zanden Jeh has also been added to Australia A’s squad for the multi-format series against Sri Lanka in Darwin. 

Ben Oliver, CA Executive General Manager National Teams, said: “We’re pleased to continue our long-standing relationship with the MRF Academy and provide another group of young players a truly unique experience. 

“For several players, it will be the first time touring the subcontinent, so this trip will offer an opportunity to gain valuable new experience in testing conditions. 

”We’re looking forward to Tim stepping into the Australia A head coach role this season and building on his involvement in national programs from the past two years. 

”Tim is passionate about supporting the next tier of future Australian players and brings a wealth of contemporary playing and coaching experience to the role.”

Australia A squad: 

Joel Curtis, Harry Dixon, Zanden Jeh, Campbell Kellaway, Angus Lovell, Rafael MacMillan, Ollie Peake, Lloyd Pope, Niv Radhakrishnan, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachlan Shaw.