Cooley to coach Australia

England’s bowling coach, Troy Cooley, has announced he will leave England in May, to lead Australia’s fast bowling training program, which will be based in Brisbane.

Cooley, widely praised for his work with developing England’s pace attack into one of the world’s finest, will take up a similar role in the Australian setup.

The one-time Tasmania paceman’s loss will be a big one for England, as comments from Duncan Fletcher, David Graveney, and this one from England’s stand-in captain Marcus Trescothick prove: “It’s a big blow for us, He’s been with us for the good times we’ve had since we’ve really picked our cricket up. He’s been a part of our young guys maturing and becoming a good bowling unit.”

Cooley’s return will be welcomed in his native Australia, and fans will hope he can help them reclaim the Ashes next year. Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said of Cooley’s appointment: “Troy was our first choice, the players rate him highly and his work in England speaks for itself. We’re delighted he’s agreed to take on this important role as we move ahead with our plans for the Ashes here in 2006-07.”