Cricket Australia extends Andrew McDonald’s head coach contract

With great pleasure, Cricket Australia (CA) announces that head coach Andrew McDonald's contract with the Australian men's team has been extended through the end of 2027.

Since taking over as head coach in 2022, McDonald has led his team to victory in the first-ever ICC World Test Championship, an incredible ICC Men's Cricket World Cup, and the retention of the Ashes in England.

At the moment, Australia is ranked as the top Test side and second in ODI and T20 cricket.

NB: Tomorrow, Thursday, at 10.15 a.m., Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley and Andrew McDonald will be accessible to the media beside the Dennis Lillee Statue at the MCG.

With the extension, McDonald will captain the team through the 2026 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, the 2027 one-day Cricket World Cup defense, the 2027 World Test Championship campaign, and the Champion's Trophy the following year.

In 2026–2027, there will be a record 13 months of Test cricket, including the 150th anniversary Test at the MCG and away series against England and India.

Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia, stated:

In addition to producing fantastic results, Andrew has established a solid coaching staff, a sound coaching philosophy, and a first-rate atmosphere that allows the squad to play at its peak. Andrew is an extraordinary men's head coach. We are happy to give him an additional two years of service.

"This agreement is exciting because it means Andrew will lead the squad to the next T20 World Cup, World Cup defense, and World Test Championship campaign.

The 150th anniversary Test at the MCG and an unprecedented 13 months of Test cricket in 2026–2027, including away series against England and India, are also included in the time frame.

"Congratulations to Andrew and we look forward to him continuing his enormous contribution to the team and the game in Australia."

Andrew McDonald, head coach of the Australian men's team, stated:

"I am extremely lucky to have a remarkable team of coaches, players, leaders, and staff who are all committed to the group's continued success, growth, and well-being.

"The journey has been incredibly successful thanks to the professionalism, dedication, and experience of my fellow coaches and the larger staff, but more significantly, they have fostered an inclusive, united, and trusting culture."

"All teams face many obstacles in international cricket, and I am especially proud of the way the team, players, and staff have overcome those obstacles together across all formats."

Ben Oliver, National Teams' executive general manager, stated:

We are overjoyed that Andrew has decided to continue coaching the Australian men's squad since he is an exceptional coach.

"The playing group has responded well to Andrew's performance environment, which has yielded some exceptional outcomes.  

"He has performed admirably over the past two years and is in a strong position to lead the team's future development in collaboration with national selectors, captains Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh, and an excellent support staff.

"As we enter an exciting era of international cricket, we look forward to Andrew and the team building on their success in all formats."