Ryan Harris returns to South Australia as head coach after Jason Gillespie's departure

Former Australian pacer Ryan Harris has been appointed as the new head coach for South Australia's men’s cricket team on Tuesday, August 6. Harris replaced Jason Gillespie as South Australia's head coach after the latter joined the Pakistan cricket team as their red-ball head coach.

Harris started his playing career with South Australia, and he has been serving as the interim head coach for the past few months. The legendary Aussie pacer’s appointment comes as the team gears up for the pre-season with the men's program already underway.

Ryan Harris begins a new chapter as South Australia’s head coach

His appointment marked a significant step for South Australian cricket following Gillespie's departure earlier this year, bringing a familiar face back to the team’s leadership. However, the search for a replacement for Gillespie’s previous role as Adelaide Strikers' head coach continues.

There is speculation that the two positions may be split, with Harris already taking over as South Australia's head coach, while the former Australian Test captain

Tim Paine has expressed interest in the role. Paine had said that if the position would open, he would love to coach the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL).

Well, speaking on his appointment, Harris expressed his excitement and honor at being named South Australia's head coach, as it marks a return to where his first-class career began over 20 years ago. Having already worked with the state team, he is eager to build on last year's progress.

I'm thrilled and honored to be appointed Head Coach of South Australia: Ryan Harris

Ryan Harris said in an official statement: “I'm thrilled and honored to be appointed Head Coach of South Australia, where I began my first-class playing journey more than 20 years ago. Having worked closely with the team last summer and during our current pre-season training, I know what this squad is capable of and can't wait to get started and build on the positive steps we saw last year.

The new head coach added, “Under new captain Nathan McSweeney, there is a real sense of self-belief among the group, and we'll be working hard to ensure we hit the ground running with the new season rapidly approaching.”

Harris' coaching career in brief

After his retirement in 2015, Harris started his coaching journey with the Australia men's under-19 team during the 2018 and 2020 World Cups.

He also gained experience while working in the IPL with Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals and served as a consultant for the Australian cricket team under then-head coach Justin Langer.

In 2021, Harris took on the role of Queensland Cricket's pathway manager. He applied for the head coach position of the Australian women’s team after Matthew Mott’s departure but was not selected. Then, the former cricketer returned to South Australia as their bowling coach.

Notably, South Australia ended up in fifth place in the Sheffield Shield last season after their fourth-place finish in 2022-23, improving from their five straight seasons at the bottom. They also finished last in the Marsh Cup after having reached the final the previous year.