Tim Nielson to coach Australia after World Cup

Sydney, Feb 5 (UNI) Ending months of speculations, Cricket Australia today announced former wicket-keeper batsman Tim Nielson as the next coach once incumbent John Buchanan steps down after the World Cup in the Caribbean next month.

''I am delighted that Tim Nielsen has accepted our offer to become the next Australia coach when John Buchanan retires at the end of the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup,'' Cricket Australia chairman Creagh O'Connor said today.

''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 Australia cricket team continues the success achieved in recent years,'' he said.

The current head coach at Australia's Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, Nielson shot into contention after Sri Lanka coach and favourite Tom Moody pulled out of the race. Moody is reportedly interested in taking up the England job as the current coach Duncan Fletcher has lost favour after the Ashes whitewash.

A 101 first class match veteran, 38-year-old Nielson had previously assisted Bhuchanan for three years in coaching the Aussies.

Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting also hailed Nielson's appointment at the helm.

''I think this is a great appointment by Cricket Australia,'' Ponting said.

''Tim was an outstanding assistant coach with the national team and has led a very successful program at the Centre of Excellence.

''On a personal level I'm delighted, having played against Tim and having worked with him when he was assistant coach. We have an excellent working relationship and I'm looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead,'' the skipper said.

Meanwhile Nielson said he was ''incredibly proud'' to have been named as Australia's next coach.

''I'm honoured and excited to have been offered this opportunity,'' he said.

''Filling John Buchanan's shoes will be a big job,'' he added.

''John will continue to be a regular sounding board for me in the role.'' Meanwhile, Buchanan heaped praise over Nielson and calling it ''an outstanding appointment''.

''I think this is an outstanding appointment for Australian cricket, the team and the coaching profession. Tim has demonstrated throughout his time in the state system, as assistant coach to the national team and head coach in the CBCE program his dedication, desire and enthusiasm for the game.

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

UNI