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County Championship: Andrew McDonald to return to Leicestershire as head coach

Image: Andrew McDonald: New head coach at Leicestershire

Former Leicestershire all-rounder Andrew McDonald has been appointed as the county's new head coach in a bid to turn their fortunes around.

McDonald represented the county in the 2010 and 2011 seasons, and became a firm favourite after playing a starring role in their Friends Life T20 triumph three years ago.

In that series, he plundered 584 runs at an average of 53.09 and took some timely wickets.

He takes charge at a critical time for Leicestershire, who have announced several management changes as they seek a return to form following a forgettable few years.

Leicestershire have not won in the LV= County Championship for two years and have seen several promising players, including Josh Cobb, Nathan Buck, Greg Smith and Shiv Thakor, opt to ply their trade elsewhere next season.

"I developed a relationship at Leicestershire as a player and the opportunity to return in the role of head coach is one I am looking forward to," said McDonald, who played four Tests for Australia in 2009 and is currently playing for South Australia.

Challenge

"To take on the challenge of creating a successful, but also importantly sustainable cricket programme, while fostering the development of an emerging group of young players, is an extremely exciting prospect for me.

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To take on the challenge of creating a successful, but also importantly sustainable cricket programme, while fostering the development of an emerging group of young players, is an extremely exciting prospect for me.
Andrew McDonald

"Coaching has always been something I have harboured ambitions to pursue. I think that going into coaching at a relatively young age, while still involved in cricket in the way I am in Australia as a player, is a very progressive move for both myself and Leicestershire."

In a bid to revive their fortunes, the club have announced a coaching restructure in which the role of director of cricket is being scrapped, while Wasim Khan will next year take over as chief executive, the first British Asian to hold such a position.

McDonald has now been appointed to take charge of the first team, with interim chief executive Andrew Boyce delighted to welcome back the 33-year-old to Grace Road.

"Andrew McDonald is the epitome of Australian grit. He has a strong mental attitude to winning games," Boyce said.

"Andrew was a great influence on the younger lads as a player here. He helped us to get over the line on numerous occasions. Andrew was a good performer on the pitch and a very good person to have in the dressing room.

"When somebody is able to have time to make decisions in the cauldron environment in T20, you know you have a clear thinker. Andrew has always been able to make an assessment of what is required to win a game and never panics.

"His fellow Australians look up to him and respect him. That says a lot about his character and standing in the game."

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