Former Australian Test stalwarts like Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath could be given short term coaching and mentoring roles in the wake of David Saker’s sudden resignation, said Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts.
Speaking in an interview to Cricinfo, Roberts said: "I think it's really important that we do involve those ex-players in the game more and give them a stronger voice, embrace their perspective to a greater degree, and it could be involving them in a mentoring capacity or in a formal coaching capacity.”
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The Cricket Australia chief executive went on to add, “I've got a really good relationship with Steve Waugh and I've been fortunate to have had that for I guess 25 years now, and he's one of the most universally respected people in our game” while also acknowledging his close links to Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist courtesy their commentary duties.
Ricky Ponting was previously appointed to coach the T20 side for a triangular series alongside New Zealand and England. He has to discontinue the role due to an Achilles tear and ever since has been caught up with broadcasting responsibilities. But with the World Cup only a few months away, a similar short-term appointment for Punter is being mulled over.
"I think there's opportunities to utilise some of those ex-players in shorter bursts if you like, given they're not all in a position to be a coach 52 weeks of the year either, given their other commitments in other parts of the game.” concluded Roberts.
