Andrew McDonald to coach Rajasthan Royals: The former Australian all-rounder will continue with his role in the Indian Premier League.
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Former Australia all-rounder and current assistant coach of their national team Andrew McDonald will continue to coach Rajasthan Royals in the 13th season of the Indian Premier League despite Australia’s tour of England in September.
McDonald, who is an experienced name when it comes to coaching assignments in T20 leagues around the world, was announced as Royals’ head coach in October last year.
With Australia’s tour of England finishing on September 16 and IPL 2020 beginning on September 19, both English and Australian players are likely to miss at least a couple of matches to adhere to BCCI’s biosecurity protocols.
While the Indian cricket board is yet to make public the SOPs, it is being reported that all players and officials will have to undergo a mandatory seven-day quarantine in their hotel. During this period, every squad will be tested thrice – on the first, third and sixth day.
Only players who will return a negative COVID-19 test on all the three occasions will be allowed to take part in the competition. As IPL 2020 progresses, everyone involved will be tested on the fifth day of every week.
Andrew McDonald to coach Rajasthan Royals despite Australia’s tour of England
As a head coach, McDonald’s role would begin much before the start date of the cash-rich league. With Royals believed to be the first team to reach UAE (by August 20), one expects McDonald to also travel this month itself.
It is due to the same reason that McDonald has picked IPL over his national duty as he had already signed his IPL contract at the time he was announced as Australia’s assistant coach.
“When Andrew [McDonald] came on board that was part of our agreement with him, that he would continue as head coach of the Rajasthan Royals and we’re really comfortable with that.
“We believe that is a beneficial outcome for Andrew’s development as a coach, but also for our team and our players – having someone who’s getting that experience and bringing it back into our environment,” Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of National Teams Ben Oliver was quoted as saying today as the Australian selectors announced a 21-member squad for England tour.
McDonald, who coached Melbourne Renegades to a title victory in the Big Bash League earlier this year, is expected to further hone his skills as a coach keeping in view three white-ball world events to be played in the next three years.
“With three white-ball World Cups coming up in the next three years, two of those in India, we think it’s a really valuable experience for both Andrew and our team,” Oliver said.
