Andrew McDonald gets extension on his coaching tenure as CA hand him contract extension as head coach until 2027.
Andrew McDonald has had his contract extended until the end of 2027.
He will lead the squad in the upcoming World Test Championship cycle and in defending their ODI World Cup title that year.
McDonald was on a four-year contract in 2022, which lasted until halfway through 2026. He would have finished after the subsequent T20 World Cup if that had happened. Citing the rigorous nature of the position and the fact that Justin Langer had only lasted one four-year term. This despite Langer’s request for an extension back in 2022—he had said that he was likely to be a one-term coach.
On the other hand, a new coach would have arrived at an uncomfortable moment if McDonald had left in the middle of 2026. It appears that Australia’s 2027 schedule will be among the most demanding calendar years in the history of the men’s team. In 2026–2027, they play five Test matches in India in January and February after hosting four Test matches against New Zealand in December and January. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of Test cricket, they will then play a one-off Test match against England in March. A two-Test home series against Bangladesh is planned, but will probably be rescheduled.
If they qualify, there will be a five-Test Ashes tour after the WTC final. In October and November of 2027, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host the next ODI World Cup.
By keeping McDonald open throughout that time, CA has some stability to plan how to handle it. Michael Di Venuto, Daniel Vettori, and Andre Borovec are already part of McDonald’s coaching staff. And he will be having a national pace bowling coach. McDonald’s three assistants have each coached the squad for a different white-ball series over the past two years. This has helped in managing the workload.
After developing a solid working connection with McDonald over the previous three years. Test and ODI captain Pat Cummins recently said he would be open to staying in his position for longer than initially anticipated. This might mean he and McDonald continuing to collaborate until 2027.
“I am very fortunate to have an exceptional group of leaders. Players, coaches and staff who are fully invested in the ongoing well-being, success and development of this group,” McDonald said. “The professionalism, commitment and experience of my fellow coaches and the wider staff have ensured the journey has been extremely successful. But just as importantly created a culture of unity, trust and inclusivity.
“International cricket has many challenges for all teams. And I am particularly proud how the group, players and staff, across all formats have navigated those together.”