Former Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait is a leading candidate to become the head coach of the senior Punjab team for the upcoming domestic season. Tait brings extensive coaching experience, having previously worked with the Quetta Gladiators in the PSL.
Additionally, Tait has served as the bowling coach for the Pakistan cricket team for a year and was appointed as the bowling consultant for the Afghanistan cricket team in August 2021.
Besides Tait, Wasim Jaffer is another prominent figure considered for the head coach role of the Punjab team. Jaffer, who is currently the batting coach for the IPL side Punjab Kings, is also the highest run-scorer in Ranji Trophy history.
“We have received over 45 applicants for the head coach role of the Punjab senior team. Two of the prominent names are former India opener Wasim Jaffer and former Australia speedster Shaun Tait. The process is still underway and we will announce the name by next week,” a Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) official was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
Tait or Jaffer will replace Aavishkar Salvi, who was appointed Punjab’s coach in August 2022. Last year, Punjab emerged as the winners of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and ended a drought of 30 years for a trophy. India’s latest batting sensation Abhishek Sharma played a vital role in Punjab’s title win.
Shaun Tait records as a player in international cricket
Shaun Tait is renowned as one of the fastest bowlers in cricket history. Known for his extreme pace, he was a formidable opponent for batsmen when in full flight. His distinctive, slightly slingy action allowed him to reverse swing the ball at remarkable speeds.
Tait came close to setting the record for the fastest delivery ever bowled when he clocked 161.1 kph in a match against England. Despite his potential, he played only three Test matches for Australia, taking 5 wickets, due to recurring fitness issues that limited his participation in the longest format.
However, Tait made a significant impact in limited-overs cricket. In 35 ODIs, he claimed 62 wickets at an average of 23.56 and an economy rate of 5.19, including two four-wicket hauls. His performance was crucial in Australia’s 2007 ODI World Cup victory in the West Indies, where he was the third-highest wicket-taker with 23 wickets in 11 matches, boasting an average of 20.30 and an economy rate of 5.52.
In T20Is, Tait took 28 wickets in 21 matches at an average of 21.03 and an economy rate of 7.39. He played a pivotal role in Australia’s journey to the final of the 2010 T20 World Cup.
