Kountouris replaces Alcott as Australia physio

Alex Kountouris, the former Sri Lanka physiotherapist, will replace the long-serving Errol Alcott in Australia's set-up this summer. Kountouris worked as Alcott's understudy for the past three years - he toured South Africa and Bangladesh with the squad early in 2006 - and is currently with the Australia A side for the Top End Series.

Alcott resigned last month after more than 20 years as the side's physiotherapist to take up a role with the South Sydney rugby league club and Michael Brown, the Cricket Australia general manager of cricket operations, was pleased with his replacement. "[Alcott's] are big shoes to fill but there is no doubt we've found an excellent successor," Brown said. "Alex handled a collection of demanding situations and injuries on the recent tours of South Africa and Bangladesh, and it is clear that he is already creating a positive environment in the changing room."

Kountouris spent seven years with the Sri Lanka squad, including being part of the 1996 World Cup win, and began assisting Alcott in 2003. "It is a fantastic honour to be given this responsibility and a really exciting challenge," Kountouris said. "Errol has done an outstanding job with the team for a long time and I look forward to continuing to implement the structures he has developed." Kountouris, who worked in soccer before moving to Sri Lanka, has helped develop the Master of Sports Physiotherapy course at Melbourne's Latrobe University and is currently researching fast bowling injuries for Cricket Australia.