Haddin, Hussey named Australia A assistant coaches

Former cricketers Michael Hussey and Brad Haddin will assist Australian A head coach Troy Cooley in their home series against South Africa and India later this year in Queensland, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Wednesday.

Former Test quick Ryan Harris will also continue his coaching role throughout the series as the team's bowling mentor, while Hussey's brother, David, will come on board as batting coach for the One-Day series.

The 38-year-old Haddin, who ended his Test career during the 2015 Ashes series in England, will join Cooley for the four-day matches against the Proteas in Brisbane, before handing over to David for the one-day series in Townsville and Mackay.

Michael, who retired from Tests in 2013, will then take over from his younger brother for the four-day games against India A in Brisbane.

Harris will serve as assistant coach to High Performance coach Graeme Hick for the National Performance Squad during the series.

CA Executive General Manager - High Performance Pat Howard said the integration of recently retired players into the system helped provide vital experience for both future coaches and players.

"Brad, David and Mike have all continued to be very active even as their playing careers draw to a close, and their experience and insights will be prized when they have the chance to work with the young players who will get their opportunity during the A series," he said.

"The fact that each year we are able to encourage the likes of current or recently retired first class and international players to earn their coaching qualifications and put them into practice is very healthy for Australian cricket," he added.

--IANS

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