Former Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris has been appointed as the new head coach of South Australia, replacing Jason Gillespie, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Earlier this year, Jason Gillespie stepped down from his role as head coach of South Australia.
Upon his appointment, Harris expressed his excitement and honor at being named head coach. He noted his familiarity with the squad and their capabilities.
Ryan Harris has been named South Australia’s new men’s head coach, filling the role vacated by Jason Gillespie’s departure earlier this year https://t.co/RcXrKmlr0E pic.twitter.com/Di5rzQ3CdB
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 6, 2024
“I’m thrilled and honored to be appointed Head Coach of South Australia, where I began my first-class playing career over 20 years ago,” Harris said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “Having worked closely with the team last summer and during our current pre-season training, I know what this squad is capable of and can’t wait to get started and build on the positive steps we saw last year.”
Harris also emphasized the team’s commitment to starting the new season strongly. “Under new captain Nathan McSweeney, there is a real sense of self-belief among the group, and we’ll be working hard to ensure we hit the ground running as the new season rapidly approaches,” he added.
Last season, South Australia finished in fourth place in the 2022-23 season.
After retiring from cricket, Harris began his coaching career with the Australia men’s under-19 team during the 2018 and 2020 World Cups. He has also worked with IPL franchises like Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals. Harris applied to become head coach of Australia Women and had a short-term stint as the bowling coach during a tour of New Zealand in 2021.
(With ANI Inputs)
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