Australia renew Nielsen's contract
Cricket Australia have extended Tim Nielsen's contract as coach of the Australian team until the end of the 2013 Ashes series in England.
There were rumours circulating that Nielsen would not be offered another deal after Australia's poor performance against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 in England and during the 2009 Ashes series. This is because a number of players have underperformed hugely during these two tours.
However, it seems that Cricket Australia genuinely believe that Nielsen is the right man to take them forward despite the fact the country has dropped in the world rankings. He has some plain black and white theories for coaching, which are popular in the dressing room.
Cricket http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 chief executive James Sutherland said: "Tim has been at the helm through a challenging period. In assessing this reappointment, it was important to note the support for Tim from players and management."
A side in transition
When reflecting on Nielsen's time in charge of the Australian team so far, it's very important to remember that this is a side in transition. A lot of experienced players have left over the last three years and younger members of the squad are just starting their Test match careers. An experienced coach is needed to help guide them through the early weeks and months.
For a coach to have a very big impact on a team then they have to be given the time needed to do so. It would be completely pointless to let Nielsen go at this stage because he has only just started to see some progress from where he was three years ago.
Nielsen said: "I am excited about the coming phase in Australian cricket. We have players who have found their feet at international level and more coming through, it is a great time to be renewing my role."
Nielsen is a very popular person in the Australia dressing room and a number of top players have already come out to voice their support. Captain Ricky Ponting and vice-captain Michael http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 have both said that there is no one better to take the Australian team forward in the next two to three years.
Betting advice
Although Nielsen's re-appointment is being greeted as something quite positive, you cannot ignore the fact that the Aussie team are still very unpredictable. They will fancy their chances of winning the Ashes but stick with England if you have a gut instinct.
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