Andrew McDonald: Leicestershire confirm new head coach

McDonald says trying to turn around Leicestershire's fortunes and helping the young talent is an exciting prospect

Leicestershire have confirmed former Australia Test all-rounder Andrew McDonald is their new head coach.

The 33-year-old spent two seasons with Leicestershire as a player and helped them win the domestic T20 Cup in 2011.

McDonald, who succeeds Phil Whitticase, is currently playing state cricket for South Australia.

"Coaching at a relatively young age, while still involved in Australia as a player, is a progressive move for me and Leicestershire," he said.

"To take on the challenge of creating a successful, but also importantly sustainable cricket programme, while fostering the development of an emerging group of young players, is an extremely exciting prospect for me."

McDonald has scored 11 centuries and taken more than 200 wickets in first-class cricket during his career and has also played in the Indian Premier League for the Delhi and Bangalore franchises.

His four Test appearances for Australia all came in home and away series against South Africa in 2009.

Interim chief executive Andrew Boyce, who will hand over to Wasim Khan in January, said: "Andrew McDonald is the epitome of Australian grit. He has a strong mental attitude to winning games.

"He has had a great influence on Leicestershire in the past and will do so again.

"Andrew was a great influence on the younger lads as a player here. He helped us to get over the line on numerous occasions. Andrew was a good performer on the pitch and a very good person to have in the dressing room."