Coach Hick biggest casualty as CA announces 40 job cuts

Melbourne : Australia batting coach Greame Hick has became the biggest casualty as 40 individuals in the organisation have lost their jobs following Cricket Australia's (CA) recent announcement.

CA on Wednesday detailed a program of operational changes that, according to them, will deliver significant savings in response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation while ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the game.

Hick's departure means Justin Langer's coaching staff has taken a significant hit and they will now have the extra burden of helping top-quality batsmen like David Warner, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne among others.

"It's been a tough few days actually, that's the truth of it. You couldn't meet a person with greater integrity than Graeme Hick," Langer was quoted as saying by cricbuzz.

"It's a really tough call. It's nothing he's done, it's more the impact of the cost cutting that we're doing because of the COVID situation.

"We'll all have to adapt and again hopefully one of my strengths in the past has been able to adapt to different situations and I'll have to lead the way. That's the most important thing about leadership is that you walk the talk," he added.

These latest job cuts take the overall tally to 200 since the COVID-19 crisis began in March. The Australian cricket board also revealed that they have slashed 40 million dollars from its annual budget.

"The amended FY21 plan presented to staff today identifies cost reductions of approximately $40 million a year to partly mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on revenue and other factors such as biosecurity costs and match attendances," a CA statement read.

The domestic season, however, remains safe for now as CA is planning to go ahead with Marsh Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup 'in their current formats'. Meanwhile, the Big Bash League and Women's Big Bash League also remain unscathed as the board stated the usual number of matches will be played next season.

(Inset)

Strauss in mix to lead Australian cricket

Sydney (IANS): Former England captain Andrew Strauss has emerged as a surprise candidate to become the new chief executive officer (CEO) of Cricket Australia following the resignation of Kevin Roberts.

On Tuesday, CA appointed Nick Hockley as its interim Chief Executive following the resignation of Roberts. Hockley is currently the Chief Executive of the ICC T20 World Cup and also oversaw the conduct of the women's edition of the tournament earlier this year.

Roberts had been facing severe criticism for his handling of the shutdown since a decision to furlough about 80 per cent of staff at head office in April amid the COVID-19 crisis.

However, according to a report in 'The Australian', an influential figure in Cricket Australia has asked 43-year-old Strauss, who had served as England Cricket director between 2015 to 2018, to apply for the post.

But, Strauss leading Australian cricket is likely to lead to a mix of confused emotions, given he led England to Ashes wins during his captaincy.

Chairman Earl Eddings had already said that Cricket Australia would conduct an international search for a new chief executive to lead the organisation as cricket prepares to spring back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Strauss played 100 Tests for England in which he scored 7,037 runs at an average of 40.91.