Saker returns to Victoria as assistant coach

David Saker is returning to his native Victoria as their assistant coach. Saker joins his former coach Greg Shipperd on the coaching panel in a role which also includes responsibility for Cricket Victoria's high-performance unit.

Saker, who is 38 on May 29, played for Victoria as a handy medium-pacer before transferring to Tasmania in 2000. In all he took 247 first-class wickets at 30.10, and also scored 1384 runs down the order at 19.77. Latterly he was Tasmania's assistant coach.

He said: "I'm indebted to Tasmanian cricket for the opportunities they have provided me, and I'm just thrilled at the chance to further my knowledge and experience with Victoria. The Bushrangers obviously had a great season but the real challenge is to now ensure that success is sustained over a long period of time."

Commenting on a move which will see him return across the Bass Strait to Melbourne, Saker added: "The wheel has certainly turned full circle, but I felt the timing was right. I've been out of the Victorian scene for four years now and honestly can't wait to get back involved."

Ken Jacobs, the chief executive of Cricket Victoria, said the selection process had been a thorough and comprehensive one. "The assistant-coaching/high-performance role attracted an outstanding field of candidates, another positive sign for Victorian cricket. The selection panel were very definite in their requirements and the board had no hesitation in endorsing the panel's recommendation of David Saker. David was a terrific player for Victoria and we look forward to him having similar success as a coach."

Saker played 49 first-class matches for Victoria - taking 182 wickets at 28 - before joining Tasmania for the 2000-01 season. His three seasons in Tasmania left an indelible mark on Shippered, his coach at the time: "David just had this wonderful ability to inspire his team-mates through his actions. His competitiveness and passion for the contest were second to none and I think he will be really important for our group and in particular our young crop of bowlers."

Shipperd concluded: "He has a great understanding of what is required to succeed at first-class level, and is a great communicator - both key factors in his appointment."