Ryan Harris, a former Australian fast bowler, has been appointed as the new head coach of South Australia’s men’s cricket team. Harris, who played for South Australia during his playing career, has been serving as the interim head coach since Jason Gillespie’s departure earlier this year.
Harris’ appointment comes after a thorough recruitment process, and he will take over the role full-time immediately as the team prepares for the upcoming season. The decision to split the head coach role for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL) has not yet been confirmed, but it is understood that this is becoming increasingly likely.
Harris expressed his excitement and honor at being appointed as the head coach of South Australia, where he began his first-class playing career over two decades ago. He believes that the team has the potential to achieve great things and is eager to build on the progress made last season.
Under the leadership of new captain Nathan McSweeney, the South Australian team has developed a strong sense of self-belief. Harris plans to work closely with the players to ensure that they are well-prepared for the upcoming season.
South Australia finished fifth in the Sheffield Shield last season, an improvement from their fourth-place finish in 2022-23. However, they finished bottom in the Marsh Cup after reaching the final the previous season.
Harris brings a wealth of coaching experience to the role. After retiring from playing, he worked with the Australia men’s under-19 team at the 2018 and 2020 World Cups. He has also worked in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals. Additionally, he had stints as a consultant with the Australian men’s team while Justin Langer was coach.
In 2021, Harris was appointed as Queensland Cricket’s pathway manager. He applied to be the head coach of Australia Women when Matthew Mott left, having had a short-term stint as bowling coach on a tour of New Zealand in 2021. However, he was overlooked for the role and returned to South Australia as their bowling coach.
