Cricket Australia hire ex-Wallaby Howard

Cricket Australia (CA) has named former rugby union international Pat Howard as general manager of team performance in a newly created role, recommended by a review panel in August after the country’s Ashes defeat to England.

The 37-year-old, who represented the Wallabies in 20 Tests during the 1990s, will start his new role in mid-November, with the head coach, captain, chairman of selectors, team manager and centre of excellence manager all reporting to Howard.

CA chief executive James Sutherland said: “He has a background of success as a player, selector and coach, including 20 Tests as an Australian player, as well as playing and coaching success with the Leicester Tigers in England and was a high performance GM with the ARU,” Sutherland said.

The disastrous Ashes campaign at the start of the year prompted CA to order a review by a panel chaired by prominent businessman Don Argus, who recommended a number of sweeping reforms following the 3-1 series defeat.

Howard will now play an important role in the appointment of a new head coach following Tim Nielsen’s resignation last month after the tour of Sri Lanka. He said: “I have a great interest in cricket. I love the game. I’ve lived in England. I actually got to field as 12th man for Leicestershire in county cricket.

“I’ve got to get my head around the culture of cricket and the personalities involved. Regardless of what your title is, you’ve got to earn respect and that takes time. Am I nervous? Yes. It’s going to be tough.”