Nielsen resigns as coach despite Australia's series win
Australia 316 & 488 Sri Lanka 473 & 7-0 (Match drawn)
Michael Clarke hit his 15th Test century to lead Australia to a draw against Sri Lanka yesterday and a 1-0 win in his first series as captain, but no sooner had the third Test been concluded here than the Australia coach Tim Nielsen announced he would step down after four-and-a-half years in the post.
Nielsen's last day in charge was a good way to end as Clarke and Michael Hussey put together a record fifth-wicket partnership of 176 to inflict a first home Test series defeat on Sri Lanka since Pakistan triumphed in 2006.
The tourists, who had trailed after the first innings by 157 runs, were eventually dismissed for 488 – a lead of 331 – with just 17 overs of the match remaining. Australia bowled just two of those before the players shook hands.
"All the boys are pretty stoked. It's been a fantastic tour," Clarke said. "I am really proud how the boys have played and personally it was nice to finally get to those three figures."
Nielsen, explaining his decision, said: "We've gone through a lot of thinking since the end of the Ashes. One of [the recommendations] means that the new head coaching role is different to what I do at the moment. I'd need to go through an interview process. I feel like I've done an interview for the job for the last four years, to be honest. I feel that through something totally external my role has been changed and offered to other applicants."
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies