Saker extends bowling coach contract

David Saker will remain as England's fast-bowling coach for at least another three years after extending his contract with the England & Wales Cricket Board.

Saker, who first joined the England team management ahead of the successful ICC World Twenty20 campaign in April 2010, has been recognised as a key influence behind England's remarkable performance in the Ashes, and will continue to work with England's elite bowlers until at least 2013.

"Since joining the England team I've thoroughly enjoyed working with a talented and hard working group of England bowlers," said Saker. "The depth of bowling talent currently throughout the England ranks is something that excites me and I'm really looking forward to building on the progress we've made in recent times.

"There is still a lot of improvement ahead for the England squad, including the bowling unit, and I look forward to the challenge of continuing to test the bowlers as they seek to improve and better themselves."

Prior to taking up the post with the ECB, Saker represented Victoria and Tasmania from 1994 until 2004 before returning to Victoria in the role of assistant coach and co-ordinator of Cricket Victoria's high performance unit.

England Team Managing Director, Hugh Morris, said: "Since joining the England team management David has forged a strong and successful relationship with the England bowlers and indeed the entire England set-up.

"We are delighted David has agreed to continue in the role for at least another three years as he's a vital part of the England management team and his experience and expertise are greatly valued.

"David came into the role with excellent credentials, integrated immediately and has worked extremely well with the England bowlers across all formats of the game. I know the current crop of bowlers along with those young bowlers coming through the England system will continue to benefit from his ongoing hard work and know-how."