Pat Howard extends contract with Cricket Australia until 2019

Melbourne [Australia], May 9 (ANI): Pat Howard, Cricket Australia's team performance executive, has signed a new two-year contract extension that will keep him at the post until 2019. Confirming the news, Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said the board are extremely glad to have Howard on board for another two years, adding that they believe his ongoing contribution are integral to their future plans. "Pat is a dynamic, passionate executive and the board and I are delighted that he has agreed to extend his term. He has led the evolution of a new team performance structure and success-driven culture for both men's and women's cricket in Australia and we see his ongoing contribution as integral to our future plans," ESPNcricinfo quoted Howard as saying. Sutherland further said that, Howard's highest contribution, among many other things, is driving the improvement of structures and systems that support the Australian Cricket pathway for aspiring cricketers. "Among many other things, Pat has driven the improvement of structures and systems that support the Australian Cricket Pathway for all young players, with a firm eye on identifying and nurturing talent at an early stage and enabling them with the best opportunities to perform at the highest possible level," he added. Howard, who was originally appointed to the role created in 2011, has been a pivotal figure in the direction of Australian cricket during the past six years. The 43-year-old, a former professional rugby player, has been at the helm through Australia's significant ups and downs, with highs being the 2013-14 Ashes series clean sweep, the 2015 World Cup triumph at home, and a return to the No.1 spot in the Test rankings last year. (ANI)