Australia start coaching revamp

Australia's post-Ashes support-staff reshuffle has begun with the appointment of a full-time performance analyst and the departure of the strength and conditioning coach. A detailed review of the squad's management structure has resulted in the splitting of various off-field roles and Richard McInnes, a senior coach at the Commonwealth Bank Centre of Excellence, was given the job of coordinating the video analysis and computer software operations, a duty previously completed by the assistant coaches.

England's hierarchy, which included bowling, batting and analyst specialists, was painted as one reason why they regained the Ashes and Australia have been quick to add additional posts following the extension of John Buchanan's contract last week. James Sutherland, the Cricket Australia chief executive, said the study showed more emphasis needed to be placed on the role of assistant coach, a position filled by Jamie Siddons during the Ashes.

"The increasing importance of technology means the demands on the performance analyst are growing all the time," he said. "In the past those demands may have impinged on the assistant coach's ability to perform his daily duties. Now we have a more balanced structure in place."

McInnes will start in the lead-up to the three-Test series against the West Indies beginning in Brisbane on November 3 and Buchanan said his new charge was multi-skilled. "He is well equipped to handle the technical aspect of the job," he said, "but can turn his hand to practical skill-based training when required."

Siddons and Dene Hills, the other assistant coach, will work alongside McInnes, who has also been a high performance manager at the Bangladesh Cricket Board. "Jamie and Dene provide a wealth of playing experience to the management group," McInnes said. "I can then contribute on a number of other fronts, providing the team with a good balance, which is vitally important."

Having filled one position, Cricket Australia is now looking for a replacement for Jock Campbell, the strength and conditioning coach since November 2000. Sutherland said Campbell played a major part in preparing Australia's players but would not be continuing in the role.