England appoints Saker as bowling coach

Former fast bowler David Saker has followed in the footsteps of fellow Australian Troy Cooley and been appointed as England's new fast bowling coach.

Saker, who spent six years as an assistant coach with Victoria after playing 72 first class matches for the state and neighbouring Tasmania from 1994-2003, is to replace Ottis Gibson, who has taken over as the head coach of the West Indies.

"I've long held ambitions of coaching at international level so the prospect of working with the England team is something I'm very much looking forward to and excited by," the 43-year-old Saker said in an England and Wales Cricket Board statement.

"I believe I can offer the England bowlers a great deal and oversee their development at the highest level," Saker added.

Cooley was widely credited with helping England's bowlers to a surprise Ashes victory in 2005, though he has since joined the Australian team.

England coach Andy Flower said he was looking forward to working with Saker.

"We were sorry to see Ottis Gibson leave the position but we believe we've found an excellent successor and look forward to David joining us in the lead up to what will be an exciting and challenging year ahead," he said.