Allan Donald to be next Australian bowling coach ahead of Sri Lanka cricket tour

Cricket Australia has confirmed that former South Africa paceman Allan Donald will take on the role of bowling coach for Australia’s upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Donald will replace former mentor Craig McDermott on a short-term role, while Stuart Law will replace Greg Blewett as batting coach for the tour.

“He brings a wealth of experience with him and our guys will benefit greatly from having him around,” Australian coach Darren Lehmann said.

“His Test record speaks for itself and he was without a doubt one of the most formidable bowlers of his generation.

“He had considerable success in sub-continent conditions and will bring a fresh perspective, and challenge some of our thinking.”

The appointments of Donald and Law are for the Sri Lanka tour only, with Cricket Australia hoping for permanent appointments by the start of the 2016-17 cricket summer. Law returns to the Australian coaching fold after stints with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, and recently with the Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat.

“It’s great to have Stu back in the Australian team for this period,” Lehmann said.

“He has been doing some great work at the National Cricket Centre with our age-grade teams and Australia A, and his knowledge of batting in Sri Lanka is a huge advantage for us on this tour.”

Former England batsman Graeme Hick will travel to the Caribbean as assistant coach, with Western Australia coach Justin Langer taking over as head coach during the West Indies tour while Lehmann takes time off.

The changes come after bowling coach Craig McDermott and batting mentor Michael De Venuto departed their roles earlier this year. (ABC/AAP)