Australia assistant coach David Saker resigns just SIX months before Ashes tour

Australia assistant coach David Saker has announced his resignation just six months before this year’s Ashes tour.

Cricket Australia confirmed the former England fast bowling coach had stepped down immediately after agreeing with head coach Justin Langer it was ‘in the best interests of the team’.

Langer said the pair had come to a mutual decision in the build-up to the Cricket World Cup in May and the Ashes which start at Edgbaston in August.

Australia assistant coach David Saker has resigned just six months before the Ashes tour

There was an agreement with Australia head coach Justin Langer it was in team’s best interests

‘David and I have had ongoing discussions over the past nine months about his role with the team, and we agreed it’s the right time to head in a different direction in the best interests of the team,’ Langer said.

‘I’d like to thank David for his significant contribution, in particular in the role he has played in helping develop a core group of Australian pace bowlers.’

Saker worked with England for nearly five years before returning home in 2015 to coach Big Bash League side the Melbourne Renegades.

Australian Saker worked with England for nearly five years before returning home in 2015

He later joined the former Australia head coach Darren Lehmann.

The 52-year-old said: ‘I’ve enjoyed my time with the team, in particular working closely with a great group of fast bowlers and in time will look forward to a new coaching role.’

Bowling coach Troy Cooley, who has previously worked with England, has been appointed assistant coach for Australia’s upcoming ODI series against India and Pakistan.