Australia's bowling coach, Daniel Vettori, will step away from the team during the first Test against India in Perth to attend the IPL auction in Saudi Arabia. Vettori, who is also the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad, will be in Jeddah for the two-day auction on November 24-25, which coincides with the Test starting November 22 at the Optus Stadium.
The scheduling conflict has also impacted Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, who are in Perth as commentators but will leave to fulfill their roles as head coaches of Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively. Vettori's dual commitments reflect the growing significance of franchise cricket alongside international duties.
Vettori has served as Australia's bowling coach across all formats since 2022, working under Andrew McDonald. Despite his pivotal role, Cricket Australia (CA) supports his franchise commitments. "We are very supportive of Dan's role as Head Coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad," an Australian team spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. "Dan will complete preparations for the first Test before attending the IPL auction and will rejoin the team for the remainder of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy."
This marks the first time Vettori will miss part of a Test match for the IPL auction, though he has missed series in the past due to franchise commitments. Last year, he managed to attend the IPL auction in India between matches during Australia's series against Pakistan.
CA is currently seeking a full-time national pace bowling coach to fill in during Vettori's absences on future tours. Meanwhile, Vettori has been preparing Australia’s bowlers for the Test, even simulating Ravindra Jadeja’s left-arm orthodox deliveries during training at the WACA.
Additional support staff have been brought in to assist during Vettori's absence. Former Australia batter Michael Hussey and Jim Allenby, a former allrounder now based in Perth, are working as consultants with the Test squad. Fielding coach Andre Borovec, currently with the T20I side in Hobart, and T20 captain Josh Inglis will join the squad in Perth after the final T20I against Pakistan. CA's national development coach Lachlan Stevens will also provide support.
The IPL auction's scheduling during a marquee Test series highlights the increasing prominence of franchise cricket and its impact on traditional formats.
Updated on 18th November, 2024 by MyFortune11 Team