Saker leaves England to coach Victoria

Australia`s David Saker has quit as the England team`s bowling guru to become coach of the Victorian state side, Cricket Victoria said on Friday.

Saker, 48, who has been the bowling coach for the English national team for the past five years and was a key influence in their Ashes triumphs over Australia in 2010-11 and 2013, has been appointed at the Bushrangers for the next three seasons.

Cricket Victoria CEO Tony Dodemaide said the credentials of Saker, who claimed 209 wickets for Victoria, spoke for themselves.

"There were many high quality applicants for the role but with David`s growing reputation as a world-class coach, built through his previous assistant role with Victoria and advanced during his time on the world stage with the England team, the Board had no hesitation in endorsing the appointment," Dodemaide said.

"We look forward to David building on the success we had in the Sheffield Shield this season, as well as producing players for Australian squads.

"We would also like to thank the England and Wales Cricket Board, who have allowed David to end his contract with them earlier to enable him to take up this career progression opportunity and start his tenure with Victoria at the end of the month."