Richard Done appointed as ICC High Performance Manager

Richard Done, the former head coach of the Queensland Cricket Academy, has been appointed by the International Cricket Council as their new High Performance Manager.

Done, a former New South Wales fast bowler, has been involved in Australian cricket for 25 years, and takes over the ICC role from Bob Woolmer, who is now in charge of Pakistan.

Done's task is to help to bridge the gap between the leading Associate nations of the ICC and the full members through such tournaments as the inaugural three-day Intercontinental Cup, the semi-finals of which take place in the United Arab Emirates from November 17.

"This is a vital role in the development of the sport outside its traditional heartlands," said Malcolm Speed, the chief executive of the ICC, who added that Done had been selected after an extensive search for Woolmer's replacement.

"After an interview process involving high-calibre applicants from eight of our Full Member countries, Richard emerged as the outstanding candidate with the skills and experience to help these nations develop," Speed added. "I wish him every success in this challenging role."

Done, who has undertaken coaching assignments in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the UAE, was senior coach at the Australian Cricket Academy for nine years, where he oversaw the development of several of the current Australian squad, including the entire pace attack of Glenn McGrath, Jason Gillespie, Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz. He has also coached the Australian Under-19 squad on several occasions.

Done's first role will be to attend the finals of the Intercontinental Cup. After that, he will concentrate on preparations for the ICC Trophy in Ireland in July 2005, where the top five teams from the 12-team event will qualify for the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies. The countries currently on the High Performance Programme are Kenya, Namibia, Holland, Scotland and Canada.

"Over recent years the ICC has demonstrated a genuine commitment to developing the sport around the world and I am excited about the opportunity to help contribute to this goal," said Done. "I am looking forward to working with coaches and players to help these nations improve."