ECB appoints Aussie David Saker as England bowling coach

London, Apr 9(ANI): The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has appointed former Australian fast bowler David Saker to the post of England bowling coach.

Saker has been assistant coach of Victoria for six years and takes over from Ottis Gibson, who was appointed West Indies coach in February.

The 43-year-old is expected to join the England team in time for the Twenty20 World, starting from April 30.

"I've long held ambitions of coaching at international level so the prospect of working with the England team is something I'm very much looking forward to and excited by," The Sun quoted Saker, as saying.I believe I can offer the England bowlers a great deal and oversee their development at the highest level. This role will be challenging, but there's no question I'm looking forward to working," he added.

England team director Andy Flower believes that Saker has the knowledge, capacity for hard work and likeable personality to make him the ideal replacement for Gibson.

"David has a wealth of playing and coaching experience and will be a valuable addition to the England set-up," Flower said.

"David's record with Victoria in recent times is second to none and he has managed the development of a number of top-class fast bowlers," he added. (ANI)