Nielsen to take leave ahead of Champions Trophy

Australia are already without their captain Ricky Ponting in England and soon they will also lose their coach, with Tim Nielsen set to take leave before the end of the ODI series. Troy Cooley, the assistant coach and bowling mentor, will take over as coach when Nielsen heads home following the fourth one-day international.

Cricket Australia said in a statement that Nielsen's early departure from England was intended to allow him to spend time with his young family in Adelaide with a hectic year of international cricket on the horizon. Nielsen will rejoin the squad in South Africa on September 22 as Australia prepares to defend the Champions Trophy.

"The Australian team has played back-to-back international cricket since September 2008 and looking at the busy schedule over the next 12 months, we believe it is the right time for Tim to take a break," Michael Brown, Cricket Australia's general manager of cricket, said. "This will also provide an excellent opportunity for Tim's assistant, Troy Cooley, to continue his professional development by stepping up as acting coach for the remainder of the tour."

Cooley will be in charge for the final three one-day internationals against England, starting on September 13. The team is already short on experience in its playing ranks with Ponting being rested for the start of the ODIs - although he could return for the tail-end of the series - and Brad Haddin recovering from surgery.

Nielsen is one of the few members of Australia's group who has been in England right throughout the disappointing tour, which began with their early exit from the ICC World Twenty20 three months ago. Prior to that, he guided the squad through their tours of South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. After the Champions Trophy, Australia head to India for a one-day series before returning home to prepare for the Tests against West Indies and Pakistan.