Saker set for return home to coach Melbourne Renegades
ENGLAND bowling coach David Saker is set to return to his native Australia and take charge of Melbourne Renegades during next season’s Big Bash League.
The 48-year-old Tasmanian succeeded Ottis Gibson as England’s bowling coach in early 2010, helping England to victory in the ICC World Twenty20 in the West Indies during his first assignment.
Melbourne-born Saker was then part of coach Andy Flower’s management set-up as England won back-to-back Ashes series home and away and assumed top spot in the ICC rankings.
Saker, who played 72 first-class matches for Victoria and Tasmania, has a contract with England until September but admits he could leave before the end of the Ashes summer.
“I think it’s time for us to return home,” said Saker. “The Big Bash League is being talked about worldwide in cricket circles and it’s great to be back working in the T20 format.
“I’ll be moving back at the end of the English summer, if not earlier.”