Adam Griffith expresses desire to take over as Australia's full-time bowling coach
Australia’s interim bowling coach Adam Griffith expressed his interest in taking over the post full-time, adding that it was an honour for him to guide the world champions. Griffith was roped in when Craig McDermott stepped down after the World T20.
Griffith, who is also the bowling coach of Western Australia, will accompany the team during their Caribbean tri-series tour, and South African bowling legend Allan Donald will be taking over when the team travels to Sri Lanka in July.
Griffith, in an interview with cricbuzz, said, "As a coach, or player, you are always striving to get to the next level. To be part of the Australian cricket team is the pinnacle and an honour. I am really excited about going to the Caribbean and have been working with the bowlers at the training camp in Brisbane."
The 38-year-old, who was the Tasmanian team’s lynchpin throughout the 2000s, rose to fame after tasting success with WA in the last five years. He has nurtured players like Nathan-Coulter Nile and Joel Paris, and will continue his association with team's senior coach Justin Langer, who was WA's senior coach. Langer replaced Darren Lehmann, who has been given rest after 18 months of continuous work.
Also read: Justin Langer will guide the team differently, says Steven Smith
On being asked if he would like to become Australia's full-time bowling coach, he emphatically replied saying, "I would love to do the role permanently. When I first went to WA, I was thinking that I wanted to one day be Australia's bowling coach. It has been a goal of mine and something that I strive for. But firstly I need to do a good job in the Caribbean, so that is what I am focusing on," adding that he is not thinking too far ahead as of now.
He said that the current Australian bowlers are keen on performing well. "Mitchell Starc is back from injury and he is raring to go. We have bowlers who are quick but can also move the ball. They are really good attributes and difficult to counter. It was a shame John Hastings was injured in the IPL and will miss the tri-series. But we have good depth with our quicks."
Griffith also believes that the squad travelling to the Caribbean is a strong one and that it would be a great platform for youngsters to make their mark.
Australia will be taking on the West Indies in the second match of the tri-series, which is scheduled to be played on June 5 at the Providence Stadium in Guyana.