Michael di Venuto leaves role as Surrey head coach

The decision to release him from his deal at this point has been made to allow the Australian as much time as possible to pursue other coaching posts

Michael di Venuto has left his role as head coach at Surrey earlier than initially planned, with the English domestic season now not set to begin until August 1 at the earliest.

The Australian is currently at home in Tasmania with his family, and with his contract due to expire in March 2021, it has been agreed that he will not return to the club should the 2020 campaign ultimately get underway.

Di Venuto arrived at the club in 2016 and led Surrey to their first County Championship title in 16 years. The decision to release him from his deal at this point has been made to allow the former batsman as much time as possible to pursue other coaching posts.

During his tenure in charge, eight Surrey players made their England debuts, including Ollie Pope, the Curran brothers and Rory Burns.

Surrey director of cricket Alec Stewart said: “I would like to thank Diva for everything he gave to the role as head coach, his excellent work, the impact he had on the club and the relationship we have enjoyed as head coach and director of cricket.

“Diva should feel very proud of the progress achieved since he arrived at The Kia Oval – a County Championship trophy, the number of players that have developed and earned England selection and he leaves the dressing room in a stronger position than when he arrived.”

Di Venuto added: “I have loved my time as head coach of Surrey County Cricket Club. Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic I haven’t had the opportunity to finish the job that I started. I take with me some wonderful memories and friendships of my time at The Kia Oval.

“With the help of the best director of cricket in the land, Alec Stewart, we put together an outstanding management team to give the players everything that they needed to help them become the best players they can be. There were plenty of ups and downs along the way but to see so many of our players develop into England cricketers and the team win the County Championship in 2018 are the obvious highlights during my time.

“The squad is in a fantastic place right now, I wish the players, management and my successor all the best this season and in the years to come.”

Surrey chairman Richard Thompson concluded: “We owe Diva a debt of gratitude for the huge impact he has made in the four years he has been our coach. Winning the County Championship for the first time in 16 years and helping develop more England cricketers for a generation is quite a legacy. This was clearly a very difficult decision, taken during quite exceptional times.”

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