Andrew McDonald confirmed as Australia's new cricket coach

Australia's top cricket body appointed Andrew McDonald as national coach on Wednesday, two months after the shock departure of Justin Langer.

McDonald, 40, secured a four-year contract after winning praise for his performance as interim coach since Langer's abrupt resignation on 5 February shook the cricket world.

He takes on one of the highest-profile jobs in Australia, where cricket is an essential part of the country's identity and the team's exploits grip much of the nation.

"It's an exciting opportunity, exciting role, and I am really happy, happy and grateful," McDonald told reporters after being confirmed in the job by Cricket Australia.

McDonald returned last week from the side's successful Pakistan tour where they won the Test series and the sole Twenty20.

Andrew McDonald has been appointed as Head Coach of the Australian Men's Cricket Team on a four-year contract! Congratulations, Ronnie ?? pic.twitter.com/i5dlCNL5YI

Langer left after failing to win the public support of key players including captain Pat Cummins, despite guiding Australia to a 4-0 Ashes victory over arch-rivals England and a maiden T20 World Cup title.

Langer was also credited with overhauling a toxic Australian cricketing culture that led to the 2018 "Sandpaper-gate" ball-tampering scandal.

In the run-up to Langer's departure, disgruntled players had complained anonymously to Australian media about his intense coaching style.

'Fantastic job'

By contrast, limited-overs captain Aaron Finch had praised former Test all-rounder McDonald's "calm approach".

"He never seems to get flustered by any situation or result - it's all about the process and making sure your preparation and attention to detail is 100 percent," Finch told reporters shortly after McDonald