Tasmanian great Michael Di Venuto will not return to Surrey if English County season begins later in 2020

Two years after guiding English County side Surrey to its first championship since 2002, Michael di Venuto and the club have parted ways prior to his contract expiring.

Michael di Venuto will not return to Surrey after a successful stint with the club.

RESPECTED coach Michael Di Venuto’s successful stint with English County side Surrey has come to an end.

The Tasmanian great, whose contract expires in March next year, will not return to the club if the 2020 domestic season in the UK gets underway later this year.

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Di Venuto joined Surrey in 2016 and two years later guided the side to its first County Championship title in 16 years, as well as reaching back to back Lord’s finals in the fifty over game.

Eight Surrey players made their international debuts across all three formats under his guidance.

Michael Di Venuto led Surrey to its first title in 16 years in 2018 (Photo by Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

“I have loved my time as head coach of Surrey County Cricket Club. Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic I haven’t had the opportunity to finish the job that I started,” said Di Venuto, who spent some time as an assistant coach in the Australian team in 2017.

“I take with me some wonderful memories and friendships of my time at The Kia Oval.”

“With the help of the best Director of Cricket in the land, Alec Stewart, we put together an outstanding management team to give the players everything that they needed to help them become the best players they can be.

“There were plenty of ups and downs along the way but to see so many of our players develop into England cricketers and the team win the County Championship in 2018 are the obvious highlights during my time.

“The squad is in a fantastic place right now, I wish the players, management and my successor all the best this season and in the years to come.”

Di Venuto has split his time between England and Hobart for many years, firstly as a player and then when he moved into the coaching ranks.

Stewart praised Di Venuto’s impact on the club’s program.

“Diva should feel very proud of the progress achieved since he arrived at The Kia Oval — a County Championship trophy, the number of players that have developed and earned England selection and he leaves the dressing room in a stronger position than when he arrived,” he said.