(Cricket news) Former Australian international Nathan Hauritz has been announced as Cricket Ireland’s new Spin Bowling Coach. The 40 year old has played international cricket for Australia from 2002 to 2011, playing 17 Tests, 58 ODIs and 3 T20Is during his international career, taking 128 wickets across all formats. Domestically, Hauritz played for Queensland and New South Wales in First-class cricket, and featured for Brisbane Heat, Sydney Thunder and Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League.
Moving into coaching after retirement, Hauritz has been the Spin Bowling Coach for Queensland Fire and Brisbane Heat since 2020. Hauritz’ role with Cricket Ireland will involve working with the senior men’s and women’s squads, as well as the pathway system.
Speaking from Brisbane after accepting the role, Hauritz said: “The opportunity was too good to not even think about. I love discussing spin bowling from all facets, and to be able to do that in an international environment while travelling the world, how could you not want to do it.
“My particular interest as a coach is the tactical and mental side of spin bowling. When you play at the top level of cricket your game is generally in a pretty sound space, but more often than not it comes down to how you perform on the day that needs the most work. I believe my career and experience will help me communicate with, and support the development of, our current groups of spinners. It’s an incredibly exciting time to be part of cricket in Ireland.”
How familiar is he with Irish cricket?
“Social media and livestreaming these days has made it easier to follow teams and games around the world. You can get a good sense of how the domestic competitions work particularly. But I also fondly remember playing a tour game for Australia against Ireland at Clontarf back in 2010. We were actually in a spot of bother in that game – we were under the pump early from the Irish openers. One of our old Norths mates, Alex Cusack, played for Ireland that day, so that was a fun experience. I was lucky enough to take a couple wickets and we won the game. But the main thing that sticks in my mind was that it was an amazing atmosphere.”
Richard Holdsworth, High Performance Director at Cricket Ireland, said “We’re delighted that Nathan will be joining the high performance staff and look forward to getting him over here to start working with our spin groups. Filling this role now completes our elite coaching restructure and provides what we believe is a great coaching and support team around our performance squads.
“Not only will Nathan’s skills and experience be invaluable to our spinners in both the men’s and women’s squads, but he will also be looking at the next generation coming through the pathway system.”
Hauritz will join the Irish set-up in August, subject to a work permit.
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