Daniel Vettori to Leave First Test for IPL Auction in Saudi Arabia
Australia’s bowling coach Daniel Vettori will step away from the team during the ongoing first Test against India in Perth to attend the IPL auction in Jeddah as the head coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Scheduling Conflicts
The Test match at Optus Stadium, starting on November 22, overlaps with the two-day IPL auction scheduled for November 24-25 in Saudi Arabia. This has caused a scheduling conflict for Vettori and other IPL head coaches, including Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer, who are also involved in the Test match as either coaches or commentators.
Balancing Roles Across Formats and Franchises
Vettori’s dual roles as a permanent assistant coach for Australia and head coach for both the Sunrisers Hyderabad and the Birmingham Phoenix make him a unique figure in cricket. Since joining Cricket Australia in 2022, Vettori has worked under head coach Andrew McDonald across all formats.
Cricket Australia has accommodated his franchise commitments, with Vettori often stepping away from national duties for these engagements.
“We are very supportive of Dan’s role as Head Coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad,” an Australia team spokesperson told ESPNcricinfo. “Dan will complete final preparation for the first Test before attending the IPL auction. He will then rejoin the team for the remainder of the Border Gavaskar Trophy.”
IPL Auction’s Growing Influence
The prioritization of the IPL auction over an Australia-India Test reflects the league’s growing significance in global cricket. In addition to Vettori, Ponting and Langer, head coaches of Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants, respectively, will also attend the auction, briefly stepping away from their commitments in Perth.
Interim Coaching Adjustments
To manage Vettori’s absence, Cricket Australia has relied on replacement coaches during previous series. However, this marks the first instance of Vettori leaving mid-Test to attend the IPL auction. Cricket Australia is currently seeking a full-time national pace bowling coach to provide continuity during such instances.
Preparations for the Perth Test
Before his departure, Vettori has been actively involved in Australia’s training at the WACA Ground, working closely with the bowling unit and assisting batters with preparation for facing Ravindra Jadeja.
Australia also brought in consultants Michael Hussey and Jim Allenby to assist the team in Perth. Both had worked with the team before the first Test against Pakistan last summer.
Additional Support for the Test Squad
Australia’s fielding coach Andre Borovec, who is currently overseeing the T20I side playing against Pakistan, will join the Test squad after the final T20I in Hobart. Similarly, stand-in T20 captain Josh Inglis will rejoin the team in Perth.
Lachlan Stevens, Cricket Australia’s national development coach, will also travel to Perth to provide additional support when Vettori departs for the auction.
