Michael Di Venuto named Australia’s batting coach

Melbourne, Feb 1 (IANS) Cricket Australia (CA) Friday named Michael Di Venuto as the new batting coaching of the national team.

Di Venuto, who played nine ODIs for Australia, is currently an assistant coach for the Tasmanian Tigers and Hobart Hurricanes, but will stand-down from the role to take up his new position ahead of Australia’s tour of India.

In addition to playing international cricket, Di Venuto played a total of 336 first-class matches, 302 one-day domestic matches and 54 T20 domestic matches representing Australia A, Tasmania, Derbyshire, Durham, Sussex and Italy.

Australian coach Mickey Arthur said Di Venuto brought a wealth of knowledge with him having played for Australia and vast experience in first-class cricket both in Australia and overseas, along with sound coaching credentials since his playing career finished.

“We are delighted to have Michael on board. We wanted a batting coach who was working within Australian cricket and who had also represented Australia as a player and Michael certainly brings those two aspects to the table, as well as a wealth of experience in first-class cricket,” said Arthur.

Di Venuto will take up the role from the India tour beginning with first Test in Chennai Feb 22.

IANS 2013-02-01 16:54:02