Cricket Australia has extended head coach Andrew McDonald’s contract

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the extension of Andrew McDonald’s contract as head coach of the Australian men’s cricket team, a position he has held since 2022. The extension will see McDonald lead the team through a series of major international tournaments, including the next ICC World Test Championship, the defense of the 2027 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Since taking over, McDonald has led Australia to notable achievements, including winning the ICC World Test Championship and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, as well as retaining the Ashes in England. Under his leadership, the Australian team is currently ranked as the No. 1 Test team globally and holds No. 2 positions in both ODI and T20 formats.

The extended contract period will be demanding, culminating in an unprecedented 13 months of Test cricket in 2026-2027. This includes away matches against arch-rivals India and England and the historic 150th anniversary Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

CA CEO Nick Hockley expressed his confidence in McDonald’s continued impact: “Andrew has proven to be an excellent men’s head coach who, in addition to delivering exceptional results, has built a strong coaching team, methodology and an excellent environment in which the team can performing at its best.” Dear We are pleased to extend his term for another two years.”

The expansion, Hockley added, is perfectly timed to align McDonald’s leadership with some of the biggest events in international cricket.

“Excitingly, this extension means Andrew will take the team into the next World Test Championship campaign, the World Cup defense and the next T20 World Cup. The period also includes an unprecedented 13 months of Test cricket in 2026-27 with away matches against India. and England, and the 150th Anniversary Test at the MCG.”

McDonald expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to continue leading the team and praised the environment built under his tenure: “I am very fortunate to have an exceptional group of leaders, players, coaches and staff who are fully invested in its continued well-being . success and the development of this group,” he said. “The professionalism, dedication and experience of my fellow coaches and the wider staff have ensured that the journey has been extremely successful, but just as importantly a culture of unity, trust and confidence. and created inclusivity.”

McDonald acknowledged the challenges that international cricket presents, but said he is proud of the way his team has handled them all with resilience and unity.

Ben Oliver, CA’s Executive General Manager of National Teams, noted that McDonald’s influence extends beyond the field:

“Andrew is an excellent coach, and we are delighted that he has extended his commitment to the Australian men’s team. Andrew has created a performance environment that resonates strongly with the playing group and has delivered some excellent results.”

Oliver highlighted the value of McDonald’s partnership with captains Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh, alongside selectors and the support team, as the foundation for continued success.

With McDonald’s contract extension, the Australian men’s team is well prepared to meet the challenges of an action-packed international schedule and defend their status as a powerhouse in every sense.