Tim Nielsen has been "living the dream" as Australia head coach for the last four years but admits he is ready for some time away from the international set-up after standing down yesterday.
The 43 year old confirmed his departure after seeing his side draw the third Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo — a result which set the seal on his ninth victory in 15 Test series since replacing John Buchanan in 2007.
Nielsen decided to quit after being told he was required to reapply for his job following a review of the Australian management structure, but left with his head held high despite the indifferent form of the team during his tenure.
"Unfortunately I wasn't good enough to play cricket for Australia, so I've been living the dream. This has been the greatest job that I could do," said Nielsen.
"I'm very proud of the fact that I've been able to do it for the past four years, which I feel is a long term in international sport."
Despite boasting a winning record in Tests — and maintaining Australia's place at the top of the one-day rankings over the past four years — Nielsen has paid a heavy price for Australia's 3-1 Ashes defeat to England on home soil last winter.
That loss was the prompt for a comprehensive review of the Australia set-up, led by Don Argus, which on returning its findings last month recommended a management restructure.
Nielsen, head of selectors Andrew Hilditch and selector Greg Chappell were all high-profile victims of the changes, which call for the implementation of a five-man selection panel comprising a full-time chairman, two part-time selectors, the national captain and head coach.
Although Nielsen declined the chance to be interviewed for his redefined job, there was initial speculation that he could be offered a role elsewhere in the Cricket Australia set-up. However, he admits that is not likely to happen anytime soon.
"I'm a cricket coach, I'm a cricket person. I certainly will be looking at other opportunities and seeing what's out there," he said.
"I won't work with Cricket Australia in the short term — it's a good chance for me to have a break and for them to have a change of scene. We'll just take a breath now."
Meanwhile, Australia legend Glenn McGrath has backed Steve Rixon's credentials to take over from Nielsen ahead of next month's tour to South Africa.
Rixon is currently part of the Australian set-up, and along with fellow assistant coach Justin Langer has emerged as a leading candidate for the post.
"When I first started playing at New South Wales I worked with Steve Rixon, the ex-Australia wicketkeeper, and I think he's an incredible coach," McGrath told Sky Sports.
"His work ethic is second to none and for me to work with him early doors stood me in great stead.
"So he's a name that pops to mind, but I'm sure there will be others too."
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Translated by Paul McCarthy
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Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Sustainable Development Goals
1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
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Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
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Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
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Ain Issa camp:
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- Most from Deir Ezzor and Raqqa
- 950 foreigners linked to ISIS and their families
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- One of the nine official (UN recognised) camps in the region
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Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
The specs
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Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
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Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
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