Surrey CCC confirm that Michael Di Venuto won’t make Oval return

Surrey CCC head coach Michael Di Venuto will not be returning to the club after his contract expires in March 2021.

Di Venuto arrived at Surrey in 2016 and two years later coached them to their first County Championship title in 16 years.

He is currently at home with his family in Tasmania and will not return to the club should the 2020 domestic season get underway later this summer.

With the potential of a vastly shortened English season and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on English cricket, the decision has been taken at this early stage to give Di Venuto as much time as possible to pursue other coaching roles.

Di Venuto coached Surrey to its first Championship title since 2002, as well as reaching back to back Lord’s finals in the 50-over game. During his tenure, eight Surrey players made their England debuts across the game’s three formats.

Surrey CCC director of cricket Alec Stewart, said: “I would like to thank Diva for everything he gave to the role as head coach, his excellent work, the impact he had on the club and the relationship we have enjoyed as head coach and director of cricket.

“Diva should feel very proud of the progress achieved since he arrived at The Kia Oval – a County Championship Trophy, the number of players that have developed and earned England selection and he leaves the dressing room in a stronger position than when he arrived.”

Michael Di Venuto added: “I have loved my time as head coach of Surrey County Cricket Club. Unfortunately, due to the current pandemic I haven’t had the opportunity to finish the job that I started. I take with me some wonderful memories and friendships of my time at The Kia Oval.

“With the help of the best director of cricket in the land, Alec Stewart, we put together an outstanding management team to give the players everything that they needed to help them become the best players they can be. There were plenty of ups and downs along the way but to see so many of our players develop into England cricketers and the team win the County Championship in 2018 are the obvious highlights during my time.

“The squad is in a fantastic place right now, I wish the players, management and my successor all the best this season and in the years to come.”

Surrey chairman Richard Thompson concluded: “We owe Diva a debt of gratitude for the huge impact he has made in the four years he has been our coach. Winning the County Championship for the first time in 16 years and helping develop more England cricketers for a generation is quite a legacy. This was clearly a very difficult decision, taken during quite exceptional times.”