Justin Langer's permanent successor, who had served on an interim basis, has signed a four-year deal
Andrew McDonald has been confirmed as the permanent successor to Justin Langer as Australia men's head coach on a four-year deal.
Langer resigned in February just short of four years into the job after rejecting a six-month extension in the wake of winning the T20 World Cup and the Ashes.
McDonald was placed in temporary charge and led the team to a Test series win on the first tour to Pakistan in 24 years, and victory in the one-off T20.
Despite losing the one-day international series to Babar Azam's side, McDonald kicked off his tenure in charge with a 4-1 T20I series win over Sri Lanka.
He will take charge of the team across all three formats ahead of a crucial 12 months, which includes a T20 World Cup defence on home soil and a Test tour of India.
"The journey so far has been particularly pleasing, and I am honoured to be given this incredible opportunity for what is an exciting period ahead," said McDonald, whose coaching career has included spells with Lancashire, Victoria, Melbourne Renegades, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals.
"The success of the World Cup, the Ashes Series and now Pakistan has been a testament to the hard work and leadership of Justin, Pat and Aaron along with the players and the support staff."
McDonald's became the front-runner after guiding Australia to a Test series win in Pakistan and getting a personal endorsement from Pat Cummins (William West/AFP/Getty Images)
McDonald was due to take charge of Birmingham Phoenix during this season's men's Hundred, a role he was unable to fill last summer due to his involvement in Australia's tour to the West Indies and Bangladesh, but has been replaced by Daniel Vettori after he served on an interim basis.
Cricket Australia considered several candidates for the role but McDonald's success in Pakistan, coupled with a strong endorsement from Test captain Pat Cummins, eventually saw him handed the role.
Though given overarching control of the Test, ODI and T20 sides, McDonald has indicated he is open to giving his coaching team opportunities to lead.
"The FTP (ICC's Future Tours Program) over the next 12, 18, 24 months is not getting any lighter, there's a conversation to be had there," he said in February.
"It's not just as simple as saying, 'There's a job there, would you like to do it, yes or no?'. I think it's a great opportunity for a greater cricket conversation that two of the bigger cricket nations are embarking upon. I'm fascinated to see where that lands."
CA chief executive Nick Hockley added: "Andrew has already shown he is an outstanding head coach and the vision he outlined for the role during the appointment process was both impressive and exciting, making him our clear choice.
"We are proud of the way the team played and the respect shown throughout the tour of Pakistan under the leadership of Andrew, Pat and Aaron and really pleased Andrew is taking on the role permanently."
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