Cooley takes Australia reins

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Troy Cooley will fill the role of head coach in South Africa while Cricket Australia look for a permanent successor to Tim Nielsen

Troy Cooley has been named as Australia’s interim coach for the tour of South Africa following the resignation of Tim Nielsen last week.

The 45-year-old steps up from his current role as head coach at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, although he insists it is only a temporary measure.

Cooley has served as Australia bowling coach and assistant coach, having won many plaudits for his work as England bowling coach from 2003-2006, a spell which encompassed their winning the Ashes for the first time in 16 years.

“I feel excited and comfortable coming into this caretaker’s role, knowing that Michael Clarke, Shane Watson and Tim Nielsen have been planning this South African campaign for a while now,” said Cooley.

“My immediate task will be to come up to speed with their plans and work with the players and support team to ensure the preparation is spot on for a successful tour.

“My working knowledge of the Australian team and our opposition will no doubt be an asset in the short term as we look to build on the successful tour of Sri Lanka.”

Michael Brown, Cricket Australia general manager - cricket, said: “Troy has filled this role successfully in the past, and has worked extensively with all players within the Australian set-up and with our younger squad members at CA’s Centre of Excellence.

“Troy has advised that he will not be an applicant for the head coach role, given his significant and important duties at the Centre of Excellence.

“This appointment will therefore allow the Australian squad continuity as they attempt to cement their number-one ODI ranking and attempt to climb the ICC Test rankings.”

Nielsen stood down last week following Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka to take up a development role with the South Australia Cricket Association.

Australia will play two Twenty20s, three one-day internationals and two Tests against South Africa. Their first competitive match is scheduled for October 13.