S. Sriram has signed a fresh two-year contract with Cricket Australia. Sriram, who had impressed many as the spin bowling coach of the Australian team on its tour of India — Nathan Lyon and Steve O’Keefe made life difficult for the home batsmen — will continue his association with cricket down under.
Speaking to The Hindu , Sriram said, “I have been given a two-year extension until June 2019 to continue in a similar capacity as ‘Consultant Coach-Team Performance’.”
He elaborated, “My role would involve working through their pathway programs in developing their spin bowlers, helping them technically, tactically and mentally to adapt to various conditions, batsmen and formats.”
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“I would also work with the Aussie batsmen on their technique, strategy and mindset against spin.”
Sriram added, “I would continue to assist on various tours including men’s team tours , ‘A’ team tours and development squad tours to different parts of the world with a particular focus on the subcontinental conditions.”
“I am also involved in educating the Aussie coaches to understand the culture of cricket played in our part of the world and have an input into in their ‘Player Rating Tools’ system which will support their selection process.”
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Good rapport
Sriram, who shares a good rapport with Aussie coach Darren Lehmann, said, “As always, it’s a huge honour and a privilege to be working with Cricket Australia, I have thoroughly enjoyed my role thus far and would want to continue building the relationships with the players, support staff and management to be able to contribute to the development of the game there.”
The erudite Sriram will be part of the Australian support staff for the forthcoming tour of Bangladesh.