Spin legend Shane Warne has been recruited to work with Australia’s Twenty20 squad in the lead-up to the ICC World T20 tournament in March.
Cricket Australia (CA) on Thursday announced that Warne will support head coach Darren Lehmann as consultant, providing specialist coaching to the spin bowlers selected in the T20 squad soon after it assembles in South Africa March 3.
Lehmann said Warne’s short-term assignment with the team reflects CA’s growing emphasis on providing players with more specialised coaching throughout the year.
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“We believe our national teams can really benefit from more specific skill-based coaching as and when it is needed. This will mean that from time to time we will enlist the support of experts in their craft to work with our players and share their experiences,” Lehmann said.
“In the case of the World T20, we believe spin bowling will be critical to success. There’s no better person than Shane to help guide the spinners we select in that squad.
“He was a gifted cricketer and remains passionate about spin bowling and seeing our players be the best that they can be. We’re thrilled to have him on board.”
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Commenting on his new role, Warne said, “I’m excited to be working with Australia’s spinners in South Africa. I’m looking forward to helping them with some intense bowling preparation ahead of the World T20, where we’ll specifically work on tactics and mindset.”
The Australian Twenty 20 side plays three matches against South Africa on March 9 (Port Elizabeth), March 12 (Durban) and March 14 (Pretoria) before leaving for the ICC event in Bangladesh.