Peter Handscomb, South Africa Vs Australia 2018, Test series, batting technique, Ricky Ponting
Peter Handscomb had already discussed technical aspect with Graeme Hick. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

Cricket Australia have made at least 40 of its staffs redundant amid restructuring for a sustainable future after the hiatus due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. The operational restructuring is expected to cut down cost up to AUD 40 million. However, the Cricbuzz reported that Senior men’s and women’s cricket as well as the domestic cricket, including the Sheffield Shield, Marsh Cup and the Big Bash League, will not be impacted with the plan.

Australia batting coach Graeme Hick is one of the most high profile name to face the axe. His axing follows that of chief executive Kevin Roberts, who recently filed his resignation, following criticism over his leadership role.

Graeme Hick Sacked As Australia Batting Coach Amid Board Restructuring
Kevin Roberts. (Credits: Twitter)

It is difficult time for our employees: Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings

Graeme Hick oversaw a period as batting coach of Australia in which he groomed premier Test player Steve Smith with numerous deliveries. The board chairman has said that it is hard time for the employees, especially those, whose roles have been made redundant. He has however, said that, it was their role to clear their path in a period of uncertainty.

Graeme Hick Sacked As Australia Batting Coach Amid Board Restructuring
A photo taken on October 29, 2018 shows then-chairman of Cricket Australia (CA) David Peever speaking during a press conference in Melbourne. – Following Peever’s resignation on November 1, former Test captain Mark Taylor has downplayed his chances November 2 of being the next head of Cricket Australia, with interim chairman Earl Eddings seen as favourite to help the governing body regain respect. (Photo by William WEST / AFP) / –IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE– (Photo credit should read WILLIAM WEST/AFP/Getty Images)

“We recognise that this is a difficult time for Cricket Australia employees, particularly for those staff members affected by these redundancies and their families. However, our responsibility is clear: to navigate a path for cricket through this period of uncertainty and disruption to ensure we come out the other side sustainable in the short term and prosperous in the long term,” CA chairman Earl Eddings said.

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The board has also decided to postpone the second division competition, including the U-15 and U-17 level matches, to next year.