Matthew Mott signs two-year extension as Australia look to continue dominance
Written by I Dig Sports
Published in
Cricket
Thursday, 01 July 2021 19:20
Matthew Mott, head coach of the Australia women's team, has signed a two-year contract extension which means he will remain in charge until after the defence of the T20 World Cup title in 2023.
The next two years includes a host of major series and global events for Australia beginning with the visit of India in September before the Ashes early next year. That is followed by the ODI World Cup in New Zealand during February and March then the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham from late July 2022. Currently the next T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in South Africa in February 2023 with another Ashes series to follow in mid-2023.
Australia are also currently on a world-record unbeaten run of 24 ODI victories following their 3-0 win over New Zealand in April.
"As a team there's a lot of stuff in front of us to be excited about and I'm looking forward to being a part of it," Mott said. "Obviously we play India to start off the summer and the Ashes is a massive series for us, but the one-day World Cup in March has been a key driver of the team over the past few years after a disappointing result at the 2017 event in England.
"There's a lot to look forward to over the next few years, including our first Commonwealth Games appearance, so it's a really exciting time to be involved."
Ben Oliver, Cricket Australia's head of national teams and high performance, said: "On field his record speaks for itself, with the team claiming two T20 World Cup titles since his appointment in 2015. The team also regained the Ashes just months after his appointment in 2015 and has held into them ever since, as well as setting a new world record for most consecutive ODI wins.
"Matthew is a highly respected international coach, with terrific people skills, a track record of getting the best out of his players and a real passion for the game and his role. We believe he's the best person to take this incredibly successful team to yet another level."
There has also been a new full-time appointment to Mott's support staff with Ben Sawyer joining as fast-bowling. It is a role he has previously held in a part-time capacity but now Sawyer will leave Cricket New South Wales and Sydney Sixers for a permanent position with the national side. Ryan Harris had been brought on as bowling coach for the tour of New Zealand earlier this year.
"We had some incredibly strong candidates apply for the role and it was a tough decision, but Ben thoroughly deserves the opportunity having already had such a positive impact in his previous stint with the side," Oliver said.
"He's played a key role in developing what is a world-class bowling group and with over a decade of high-level coaching experience, Ben is a great addition who will complement Matthew, Shelley [Nitschke] and the support staff."
Australia are due to return to international action on September 19 with the first of three ODIs against India before a day-night Test at the WACA starting on September 30.