Published: Feb 23, 2016, 12:12 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 23, 2016, 12:16 PM (IST)
Steven Smith thanked Michael Di Venuto for coaching him in the last three years as the latter is set to finish his tenure as Australia’s batting coach to switch to Surrey County Cricket Club in England. Smith shared a picture on social media with the former Australian cricketer, saying, “Thanks Michael Di Venuto for all that you have done for me the last couple of years. You’ve been an absolutely amazing Batting coach and a great man. You are going to be missed by myself and all of the Australian batters. You are going to be a great head coach and Surrey are very lucky to have you. #legend #overseasplayerinafewyears.” FULL SCORECARD: New Zealand vs Australia, 2nd Test at Christchurch
Di Venuto’s last assignment with the Australian team is their next tour of South Africa for the Twenty20 International (T20I) series. Earlier he admitted that he had a great time working with the boys under the management of Darren Lehmann. Following Di Venuto’s departure, Greg Blewett, the current fielding coach with the national squad, will take over as the batting coach.
According to IANS, Di Vento said, “I’ll miss working day in and day out with Australia’s best players but the opportunity to take on a head coach role at a club like Surrey was just too good to turn down.” READ: Surrey County Cricket appoints Michael Di Venuto as head coach for next season
On the other hand, Cricket Australia congratulated Di Vento on his new appointment and thanked for his contribution which also included Ashes win at home in 2013-14, away series win against South Africa and triumph in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015.
