Nielsen takes local mentoring role in Australia

SYDNEY: Former Australian cricket coach Tim Nielsen signed with a regional development programme Thursday, fresh from his national resignation following a sweeping review of the sport.

Two days after quitting as Australian coach, Nielsen said he would head South Australian cricket's "Emerging Redbacks" scheme, aimed at developing the state's new cricket talent.

The top job was thrown open after the seven-month Argus Review of Australian cricket recommended the creation of an expanded head coach position, which Nielsen would have had to apply for, despite already being at the helm.

The sweeping Argus Review was ordered by the Australian cricket board after the Test team's humiliating 3-1 Ashes series defeat at home to England this year.

Nielsen presided over two Ashes series losses against England, and Australia also failed to retain the limited-overs World Cup in April under his watch after winning it on the last three occasions.

Australian cricket is undergoing a transitional period following the retirement of greats like Shane Warne, Mathew Hayden, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist.

Nielsen, 43, said he "certainly didn't expect to be standing here" a month ago, but refused to make any further comment about stepping down from the national squad after four years, describing it as a "personal decision".

The hunt is now on for a new mentor, with ex-New Zealand coach Steve Rixon emerging as a frontrunner and former Australian Test batsman Justin Langer also in the running, at least as interim replacement while a tour of South Africa looms.