Australia hire Graeme Hick as batting coach on four-year deal

Johannesburg [South Africa], Sept.15 (ANI): Former England batsman Graeme Hick has been appointed as Australia's specialist batting coach on a four-year contract. Hick, who represented England in 65 Tests and 120 ODIs, had acted as Australia's assistant coach in the absence of head coach Darren Lehmann on the recent West Indies tour. Reflecting on his new role, Hick said he was excited about his upcoming challenges and that he was looking forward to work with some of the best players in the world, Sport24 reported. His first assignment will be Australia's five-match ODI series against South Africa, starting from September 30. Referring to Hick's rich cricketing experience, Lehmann said that the former England batsman would bring in a wealth of knowledge with him. He added that Hick would help Australia to prepare better keeping in view the upcoming tournaments such as the Champions Trophy, Ashes series and World Cup all to be hosted in England. Australia, who have now lost their past nine Tests in Asia with the recent 3-0 humiliation at the hands of Sri Lanka, will aim to improve their output on the subcontinent, with a four-Test tour of India in February-March. (ANI)