Reuters

Australia, Feb 5: Tim Nielsen will succeed John Buchanan as Australia coach, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Monday.

Nielsen, who spent three years working as an assistant to Buchanan, will take over the head coaching job when Buchanan stands down following the World Cup in the West Indies which starts next month.

Nielsen, 38, is a former first-class wicketkeeper-batsman who had spent the past two years working as head coach of Cricket Australia's Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

"I think this is an outstanding appointment for Australian cricket, the team and the coaching profession," Buchanan said in a CA statement.

"He is an ideal man, together with the Australian captain, to take the Australian team into the future."

Buchanan replaced Geoff Marsh as national coach in 1999 and oversaw one of the most successful eras in Australian cricket history before announcing in August that he was quitting after the World Cup.

During Buchanan's time in charge, Australia won the 2003 World Cup in South Africa and set world records for the most consecutive Test and one-day wins.

"I'm incredibly proud, honoured and excited to have been offered this opportunity. Moving forward, this job represents a great opportunity to work with a fine group of players who are an excellent cricket team," Nielsen said.

"Filling John Buchanan's shoes will be a big job. John is a leading light in cricket coaching globally and his record speaks for itself."

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said Nielsen had a strong rapport with the players because of his experience as a player and his previous coaching roles.

"On a personal level I'm delighted, having played against Tim and having worked with him when he was assistant coach," Ponting said.

"We have an excellent working relationship and I'm looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead."

Nielsen played 101 first-class matches for South Australia before retiring in 1999 to begin a career as a coach and was the hot favourite to replace Buchanan after Sri Lanka coach Tom Moody pulled out of the running.

"I am delighted that Tim Nielsen has accepted our offer," Cricket Australia Chairman Creagh O'Connor said.

"Tim's nomination received the unanimous endorsement of the Cricket Australia board and we believe he has all the attributes required to ensure that the Australian cricket team continues the success achieved in recent years."