Former England and Australia bowling coach David Saker has expressed an interest in returning to cricket as Melbourne Stars head coach.
Saker has kept a low profile since quitting his role as assistant coach of Australia in February, leaving them to search for bowling expertise just months out from the 2019 World Cup and Ashes.
But he is now on the lookout for a new job, and has told the Stars he would like to be considered as a replacement for former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who opted not to request a contract extension for next summer.
The Melbourne Age, who have quotes from Saker, also understands former Stars captain and current Cricket Victoria board member David Hussey has been sounded out about the vacancy.
Saker walked out ion Australia abruptly following the appointment of Justin Langer as head coach, but he insists his relationship with the former Test opening batsman was “fine”. And, despite reports of a fractured relationship with Langer, Saker says his decision to leave the Australian job had more to do with his own diminished passion.
“Under Boof [former Australia coach Darren Lehmann] particularly we won an Ashes and had some really good series wins, so that was good.
Related: Dyche Plays Down Chelsea Row
There were obviously some frustrating times after South Africa. New coach came in, things changed quite a bit and I probably wasn’t as passionate as I was before that,” Saker told The Age. “On reflection it’s probably a good thing that I got out, just refreshed myself.
As I said, I’m ready to go again. I enjoyed my time with the Australian cricket team but I think it was time for me to move on.”
