[caption id="attachment_11963" align="alignnone" width="580"]Graeme-Hick Former England cricketer Graeme Hick will come to India early next year with Australian test squad. File Pic.[/caption] Internet Desk: Following the loss against South Africa in the first test match at WACA, Cricket Australia is leaving no stone unturned to set things right in the longer format. Steve Smith and his team are feeling the pressure to perform after strong criticism from former cricketers and media of the country. Australia’s biggest challenge will be the forthcoming series in India early next year. Last time the Australians visited India in 2012-13, they faced a 4-0 whitewash. With a view to prepare well for the test series in India, Cricket Australia on Monday announced that batting coach Graeme Hick along with bowling coach David Saker will travel with the team early. Cricket Australia has also confirmed that former Test wicket-keeper Brad Haddin and former Test fast-bowler Ryan Harris will join Bupa Head Coach Darren Lehmann on the coaching staff for the Qantas Tour of New Zealand in January. With Graeme Hick and David Saker both heading to India early for Test preparation, Haddin and Harris will act as Bupa Support Staff coaching consultants during the three-match series, with an emphasis on fielding and bowling respectively. Lehmann said this was a wonderful opportunity for two former greats of the game. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for us to have ex-players of the calibre of Brad and Ryan on board for this tour and continue their involvement in Australian cricket. “Both these guys have worked hard on their coaching since leaving the game and thoroughly deserve their opportunity. “They will bring a great insight to the team and their appointment highlights some of the depth we have in Australia in the coaching pathway system,” said Lehmann. Haddin said he was very excited to be working with the Australian team. “It is going to be great to be back in Australian colours again, albeit as part of the coaching group. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with Australia A in Townsville recently and am grateful that coaching has given me the opportunity to remain involved in cricket. “Darren and I have always had a great working relationship so to be able to coach alongside him is something I am really looking forward to,” said Haddin. Harris said he relished the chance to work with the team again after his time with the squad during the Qantas Tour of South Africa. “South Africa was a great learning experience for me and it was fantastic to be back with the team again. “Coaching is something I really enjoy and to be able to continue to be involved with the Australian team is something I can’t wait to be a part of again,” said Harris.    

Cricket Australia to send Graeme Hick, David Saker early for test series in India