Nielsen To Take A Break As Cooley Takes Over

Nielsen To Take A Break As Cooley Takes Over

Time for a break: Tim Nielsen (right).

©REUTERS/Philip Brown (BRITAIN SPORT CRICKET) Picture Supplied by Action Images

Cricket Australia have revealed that coach Tim Nielsen is to take a short break, flying home to Australia after the fourth One-Day International against England on 13th September.

Until Australia prepare to defend their Champions Trophy title in late September, Australia will be coached by his assistant Troy Cooley, allowing Nielsen time to spend with his young family.

Australia then embark on a 12-month long period of cricket and Nielsen follows the example of captain Ricky Ponting, who is currently resting and his vice-captain Michael Clarke indicated yesterday that he may skip the Champions League in order to stay fresh.

Michael Brown, Cricket Australia’s General Manager of Cricket, said:

“The Australian team has played back-to-back international cricket since September 2008 and looking at the busy schedule over the next 12 months, we believe it is the right time for Tim to take a break.

“This will also provide an excellent opportunity for Tim’s assistant, Troy Cooley, to continue his professional development by stepping up as Acting Coach for the remainder of the tour.”

Following the Champions Trophy, Australia head to India for seven One-Day Internationals before returning home for their summer, which involves the visits of the West Indies and Pakistan. They then head out to the Caribbean for the 2010 ICC World Twenty20 before another trip to England to play a Test series against Pakistan and an ODI series against England.

Nielsen has been coach of Australia since 2007, taking over from John Buchanan, who stood down following their World Cup success in 2007 in the Caribbean.

The Champions Trophy begins on 22nd September.

© Cricket World 2009

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