Rixon not certain about staying with Australian team

Steve Rixon has said he does not yet know whether he will be staying on with the Australian team after being overlooked for the coach’s job.

Sydney: A disappointed Steve Rixon has said he does not yet know whether he will be staying on with the Australian team after being overlooked for the head coach’s job.

Rixon was among a final short-list of six for the head coach`s position, which became available upon the resignation of Tim Nielsen at the conclusion of Australia`s 1-0 series win over Sri Lanka in September. The former Australian wicketkeeper had been a short-term appointment as fielding coach, joining the touring party for the past two Test assignments. Pat Howard, Cricket Australia`s general manager of team performance, indicated that the team`s support staff would continue in their roles into this summer while the new coach, Mickey Arthur, said he was content with the assistants at his disposal as he took over. Rixon, however, last night left doubt about his future with the Australian side, a leading daily reports. He is contracted to the successful Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings for two more seasons, having helped guide them to two IPL titles and a Champions League Twenty20 crown in the past two years. Asked whether he would be staying on with Cricket Australia in Arthur`s set-up, Rixon said: ``I don`t know. I`m just leaving it 24 hours. I know one thing is guaranteed - which is always nice - is my contract with Chennai Super Kings. “ “So, whatever happens, that`s one I do know I`ve got to fall back on. I need 24 hours to think about it, work out what can work for me.” ANI