McDermott returns as Australia Test bowling coach

SYDNEY: Former paceman Craig McDermott was Thursday appointed bowling coach for Australia's Test team ahead of the Ashes series against England, barely a year after quitting the role.

The 48-year-old shocked Cricket Australia when he resigned in May 2012 after a successful 12 months in the job, which then also included mentoring the one-day and Twenty20 bowlers, citing the conflicting demands of touring with family life.

But he has been enticed back in a revised role in which he will focus on the Test team, with the incumbent Ali de Winter moving into a new position overseeing the limited overs' bowlers only.

McDermott, who has been prominent in the development of young fast bowlers James Pattinson, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc along with the renaissance of Peter Siddle, said he was looking forward to the challenge.

"There is obviously a huge focus on regaining the Ashes this summer and I'll work as hard as possible to prepare our bowlers for the challenge ahead," he said. (AFP)