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[smokem]

Graeme Hick appointed to the role of High Performance Coach at the COE... 

http://www.espncricinfo.com/australia/content/story/674203.html

[The_Bird]

136 first class hundreds suggests he knew how to score runs at domestic level. They could've done worse.

[jamielsn15]

Often the players who tend to struggle at the absolute pinnacle of the game, across all sports, make the better coaches - they have a greater appreciation of what is required and more empathy...

To use a football example - which coach would you prefer; Maradona or Mourinho?  Pele or Ferguson?

There are always exceptions, but generally the best players do not make the best coaches.  I would think that Hick has a great understanding of how to turn fantastic potential into Test match performances based on his own failings at Test level.  I'm certain he will also be campaigning for a consistent selection policy (and the need to allow players to achieve personal milestones...)!

[uknsaunders]

Saker hasn't done a bad job as Englands bowling coach?

[smokem]

Point taken guys and I do agree to some degree.

The other disappointing aspect is the fact that we had to look outside of Australia for this role. I'd hate to think who we overlooked and whether he (the overlooked) will become another David Saker. And our last foreign coaching appointment didn't work out so well either...

[lastmanstand]

honestly dont see there being a massive correlation, it is a different skill set and cant be simplified down to such rules.

You could find a million examples of exceptions etc.

Only thing Ive learnt with any certainty about players going into mgmt is that mental players make mental managers... Paulo Di Canio.

[Nato]

I can see this being a good appointment personally. As stated, Hick was a supremely talented batsman, but did not quite have the mental strength for Test cricket. If you put his abilities and achievments together, and add the lessons he undoubtedly would have learned from his Test troubles, then I think Cricket Australia have made a shrewd move.