David Saker leaving England role early to coach Victoria

England bowling coach David Saker has been appointed as the new coach of Victoria on a three-year deal.

Saker confirmed in March that he would be leaving his role with the ECB after five years to join the Melbourne Renegades, but he will also take over as state coach.

He replaces long-serving Greg Shipperd, who had been in charge of the Bushrangers since the death of David Hookes in January 2004 but moved on at the end of the Australian summer despite Victoria winning the Sheffield Shield.

Ottis Gibson coached England's bowlers during the drawn Test series with the West Indies but, as yet, no long-term appointment has been made. England are also searching for a head coach, with assistant Paul Farbrace in charge for two matches against New Zealand.

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.

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"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."

Watch England's Test series against New Zealand on Sky Sports 2 - the first Test starts on Thursday.