Cricket: Cooley named interim Australia coach

Says he is not interested in the full-time position.

SYDNEY: Troy Cooley was named interim coach for Australia’s tour of South Africa following Tim Nielsen’s resignation, but said he was not interested in the position full-time.

Cooley, 45, is currently head coach at the Cricket Australia’s (CA) Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, and since 2006 has been the country’s bowling coach, as well as its assistant coach for the last two years.

But he will not be applying for the head coach role full-time, with former New Zealand coach Steve Rixon and former Australian Test batsman Justin Langer reportedly in the running for the job.

“Troy has filled this role successfully in the past and has worked extensively with all players,” said CA General Manager Michael Brown. “This appointment will allow the Australian squad continuity as they attempt to cement their one-day ranking and attempt to climb the Test rankings.”

Published in The Express Tribune, September 28^th,  2011.