Cricket Australia appoint ex-rugby player

Cricket Australia have appointed former Australian rugby union international Pat Howard as general manager, team performance.

The creation of the role follows the release of the Argus review earlier this year that recommended a restructure, which included a GM role.

Howard, 37, will play a key part in the choice of the national team's new head coach, to replace Tim Nielsen after last summer's Ashes defeat.

After playing 20 Tests for the Wallabies, Howard also served as Australian Rugby Union's high-performance manager.

The Australian team head coach, captain, chairman of selectors, team manager and centre of excellence manager will report to Howard, who will be based at the Centre of Excellence, in Brisbane, and start in mid-November.

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