Cricket Australia extends coach Andrew McDonald’s contract

Another Ashes tour in England and a World Cup title defence are now in the sights of Australia’s all-format cricket coach.

Australian coach Andrew McDonald will continue through at least another Ashes tour and World Cup campaign after signing a contract extension until the end of 2027.

The World Cup and Test Championship-winning coach was locked in with the Aussie men’s side until mid-2026, but inked a new deal on Wednesday as Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley praised him as “outstanding”.

McDonald will now coach the team through another cycle of major tournaments including a jam-packed Test schedule over 2026-27 which will feature a tour of India as well as an away Ashes series.

“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.

World Cup-winning Australian coach Andrew McDonald will continue through until the end of 2027 under a new contract extension. Picture: Robert Cianflone / Getty Images

“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.”

Hockley congratulated McDonald for signing on as he backed him to continue “his enormous contribution to the team and the game in Australia”.

McDonald was appointed interim coach following Justin Langer’s resignation in February 2022 and took the permanent job two months later after key players had pushed for his appointment.

CA bucked the trend of splitting the national team coaching roles between the red and white-ball formats, with McDonald remaining in charge of all.

“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,” 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.”