Elliott, Harris appointed coaches of Australia’s National Cricket Centre

Melbourne, Feb 28 (IANS) Cricket Australia (CA) on Tuesday appointed former internationals Ryan Harris and Matthew Elliott as High Performance Coaches at the National Cricket Centre, entrusted with developing the countrys future stars.

Harris and Elliott were among 40 applicants for the two positions, undergoing an extensive selection process to attain the roles. Both have strong playing and coaching backgrounds within Australian cricket, according to a CA release.

"We have undertaken a thorough process to find the best coaches to mentor Australia's emerging talent, and we are extremely excited to have both Matthew and Ryan joining Team Performance," said Pat Howard, Executive General Manager - Team Performance.

"Both have come through the Cricket Australia coaching pathway, being involved in underage national championships, and have a strong understanding of the challenges that lie ahead in developing Australian cricketers to be ready for first-class and international cricket.

"Ryan and Matthew join what is already an experienced and highly credentialed coaching team at the National Cricket Centre, led by Troy Cooley, and both will be instrumental in guiding the young talent within our ranks."

Harris and Elliott will begin their new roles next week and are contracted through until 2020, with both to be based at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane.

Harris, a former right-arm fast bowler, played 27 Tests, 21 ODIs and three T20Is for Australia. He also served as the head coach of the CA XI team at the Under-19 National Championships over the past two summers.

Elliott, a former opening batsman, played 21 Tests and one ODI, and has been working as batting consultant and youth coach with Cricket Victoria. He has coached Victoria Country at the past two Under 17 National Championships.

Former High Performance Coach Graeme Hick has since been appointed as the Australian team batting coach, while the second coaching role has been newly created.

The duo's first assignment will be leading Australia's U-19 side in a home series against Sri Lanka in April, with Elliott to coach the side and Harris to be assistant coach.

Both will be involved in the National Performance Squad programme from April and CA XI youth squads.

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