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Australian coach Andrew McDonald pens contract extension through to 2027 World Cup

Australian coach Andrew McDonald pens contract extension through to 2027 World Cup

Australian coach Andrew McDonald has signed a contract extension through to the end of 2027, keeping him in the role until the next World Cup in South Africa.

The Victorian, who took over the role from Justin Langer in 2022, has enjoyed a successful start to his tenure as head coach, leading Australia to a maiden World Test Championship title and World Cup glory last year.

On Wednesday afternoon, Cricket Australia confirmed McDonald will continue to mentor the national side for the next three years, which includes the 2025 Champions Trophy, the 2026 T20 World Cup, the 2027 Ashes, the 2027 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the 2027 World Cup and the 150th anniversary Test against England at the MCG.

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“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,” McDonald said in a statement.

“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 how the group, players and staff, across all formats have navigated those together.”

Andrew McDonald. Photo by Philip Brown/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Cricket Australia chief executive Nick Hockley said: “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.

“Excitingly, this extension means Andrew will take the team to the next World Test Championship campaign, World Cup defence and the next T20 World Cup.

“The period also includes an unprecedented 13 months of Test cricket in 2026-27 featuring away series against India and England, and the 150th anniversary Test at the MCG.

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