Aussies hunt for bowling coach after McDermott's exit leaves Ashes plan in tatters

Sydney, May 12 (ANI): Cricket Australia's is frantically searching for a new bowling coach as Craig McDermott's unexpected resignation has left a gaping hole in their Ashes preparations.

David Saker (England), Allan Donald (South Africa) and Damien Wright (New Zealand) would all have to be lured away from their current jobs, but CA, with its recent emphasis on gathering global intelligence, is expected to make inquiries about their availability.

Former pacer Andy Bichel is also in contention and was allowed to continue as bowling coach for the Chennai Super Kings after his appointment as a national selector, as it was considered helpful for the selectors to have an eye on Australians performing in the Indian Premier League.

Tasmanian assistant coach Allister de Winter, who was also in contention last year, will also be considered after he played a critical role in restoring the pace and swing of Ben Hilfenhaus, making him one of Australia's most dangerous bowlers last summer.

The hurdle faced by de Winter is that he did not progress beyond first-class cricket with Tasmania, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

With a simple mantra, pitch the ball up and swing it, McDermott was not only instrumental in the emergence of an exciting batch of young pacemen, but also helped senior bowlers reinvent themselves after the Ashes disaster of 2010-11.

The Australian team faces a gruelling schedule, with the ICC World Twenty20 leading into a home summer against South Africa and Sri Lanka, four Tests in India and back-to-back Ashes series. (ANI)