Andrew McDonald ‘will be Australia’s new head coach with announcement expected shortly’

Andrew McDonald will be Australia’s new head coach with an announcement expected in the next 48 hours, according to reports.

Cricket Australia have been on the hunt for a new head coach following Justin Langer’s surprise exit in February, with McDonald taking over on an interim basis in the meantime.

McDonald has won the support of the dressing room during his time in charge and has long been a frontrunner, with former England coach Trevor Bayliss also in the running.

According to the Daily Telegraph, McDonald has won the race to take charge on a permanent basis and an announcement is anticipated in the next 24-48 hours.

Talks resumed on Monday and although reports suggested that the role could be split, with McDonald overseeing the Test side while Bayliss would take charge of the white ball teams, but CA has stressed that they want the new head coach to be involved in all three formats. 

McDonald had expressed reservations about overseeing all formats, the report adds, but he will be given select white ball tours off with CA wary of burning out the coach.

He will still be involved in ‘big ticket’ events such as World Cups and Test tours. 

Ricky Ponting, who hit out at the circumstances surrounding Langer’s exit, was also considered but chiefs have opted to go for McDonald. Barring any last-minute drama, his appointment should be confirmed in the coming days. 

Elsewhere, Langer is understood to be softening towards the prospect of coaching England, although a job share would not necessarily suit his style. 

Those close to the Australian previously believed he was too patriotic to coach the old enemy but nine weeks since he left his position as head coach of his own country, with a Twenty20 World Cup win and 4-0 Ashes trouncing of Joe Root’s team as parting gifts, he is understood to be willing to discuss the potential switch across international cricket’s greatest rivalry.

However, unlike other potential candidates — such as Ottis Gibson, Jason Gillespie, Gary Kirsten and Paul Collingwood — Langer, 51, would fit best as a figurehead overseeing all three international formats, the model he is understood to prefer if a dramatic change of allegiance is to take place.

More to follow.