Cricket Australia have extended the contract of men’s national coach Andrew McDonald

After taking over as men’s Australian cricket coach following the tumultuous exit of Justin Langer in early 2022, Andrew McDonald has been rewarded with a contract extension. DANIEL CHERNY has more.

Andrew McDonald will steer Australia to its defence of the World Cup in 2027 after agreeing to a contract extension.

McDonald will now also be at the helm for the landmark 150 year anniversary test against England and crucial Test tours of the UK and India in 2027.

The Australian coach had already been contracted until mid 2026, but has now signed until the end of 2027.

Australian men’s cricket coach Andrew McDonald during the recent one day series in England. Picture: Nigel French/PA Images via Getty Images

“Andrew has proven to be an outstanding men’s head coach who as well as delivering exceptional results has built a strong coaching team, methodology and an excellent environment for the team to perform at its best. We are delighted to extend his tenure for a further two years,” CA chief Nick Hockley said.

“Excitingly, this extension means Andrew will take the team to the next World Test Championship campaign, World Cup defence and the next T20 World Cup.

“The period also includes an unprecedented 13 months of Test cricket in 2026-27 featuring away series against India and England, and the 150th anniversary Test at the MCG.

“Congratulations to Andrew and we look forward to him continuing his enormous contribution to the team and the game in Australia.”

Andrew McDonald will remain head coach of Australian men’s cricket team until the end of 2027. Picture: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images

Since taking over as coach – initially on an interim basis following the resignation of Justin Langer in early 2022 – McDonald has led the Australians to Test series wins in Pakistan and New Zealand, the World Test Championship title in 2023, the one-day World Cup last year and a retention of the Ashes in England, also in 2023.

McDonald said he was very fortunate to have the current group of players.

“I am very fortunate to have an exceptional group of leaders, players, coaches and staff who are fully invested in the ongoing wellbeing, success and development of this group,” McDonald said.

“The professionalism, commitment and experience of my fellow coaches and the wider staff have ensured the journey has been extremely successful but just as importantly created a culture of unity, trust and inclusivity.

“International cricket has many challenges for all teams and I am particularly proud how the group, players and staff, across all formats have navigated those together.”

Originally published as Cricket Australia have extended the contract of men’s national coach Andrew McDonald