Cricket Australia has extended the contract of head coach Andrew McDonald, solidifying his leadership through to 2027. McDonald, who has been instrumental in guiding Australia to the 2023 ICC Men’s ODI World Cup title, will now continue steering the team into the next ODI World Cup cycle as well as the upcoming World Test Championship cycle.
McDonald initially took over as head coach in 2022, with a four-year contract expected to end following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026. However, based on his exceptional results, Cricket Australia has extended his tenure by an additional two years. Under McDonald’s leadership, Australia has shown remarkable consistency across formats, which has reinforced the board’s confidence in his coaching strategy.
‘I am very fortunate to have an exceptional group of leaders’ – Andrew McDonald
Reflecting on the contract extension, McDonald praised the team’s dedication and the collaborative environment fostered within the squad. “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. 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 of how the group, players and staff, across all formats have navigated those together,” McDonald stated.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley expressed his admiration for McDonald’s impact on the team. “Andrew has proven to be an outstanding men’s head coach who, as well as delivering exceptional results, has built a strong coaching team, methodology, and an excellent environment for the team to perform at its best. We are delighted to extend his tenure for a further two years,” Hockley added.
McDonald’s extended contract will see him lead the team through a packed schedule, including the 2027 ODI World Cup, a home Test series against New Zealand in 2026-27, and a high-profile Test series in India.
