South Australia Appoints Ryan Harris as New Men’s Head Coach

South Australia has appointed 44-year-old former Australian cricketer Ryan Harris as their new men’s head coach, replacing Jason Gillespie. Harris, who had been serving as the interim head coach for the past few months, will take on the role full-time as the pre-season begins.

Harris expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating, “I’m thrilled and honoured to be appointed Head Coach of South Australia where I began my first-class playing journey more than 20 years ago. Having worked closely with the team last summer and during our current pre-season training, I know what this squad is capable of and can’t wait to get started and build on the positive steps we saw last year.”

Under Harris’s guidance, South Australia aims to build on their performance from the previous season, where they finished fifth in the Sheffield Shield. Harris also mentioned his confidence in the new captain, Nathan McSweeney, and the positive energy within the squad.

The position of head coach for the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL, previously held by Gillespie, remains unfilled. Former Australia captain Tim Paine has expressed interest in the role if it becomes available.

Harris brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having coached the Australian under-19 team at the 2018 and 2020 World Cups and worked with IPL teams Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals.