'I would love to be Australia's full-time bowling coach'

Australia's national coaching ranks is in the midst of transition after Craig McDermott stepped down as bowling coach following the World T20. Highly revered, McDermott was credited for fuelling a renaissance in Australia's pace fortunes, highlighted by Mitchell Johnson's late career surge. The 51-year-old coached Australia during two spells - 2011-12 and 2013-16 and took the reins on each occasion after a period of decline from Australia's bowling attack. Undoubtedly, he will be hard to replace and, perhaps mindful of this, Australian cricket chiefs are taking a cautious and meticulous approach to find his successor. No permanent replacement has been announced with a decision likely later in the year before the Australian summer.

In the meantime, Adam Griffith, Western Australia bowling coach, and South African bowling legend Allan Donald will be Australia's interim bowling coach during upcoming tours of the Caribbean and Sri Lanka respectively. Griffith and Donald will have opportunities to demonstrate their credentials within the playing group, a timely advantage over other candidates reportedly to include Jason Gillespie and Shane Bond.

Griffith, a pace stalwart for Tasmania throughout the 2000s, is less known compared to the other high-profile candidates but finds himself in the mix after achieving success with Western Australia (WA) during the past five years. The 38-year-old has worked closely with WA's talented bowling stocks and helped develop Joel Paris and Nathan Coulter-Nile into international players. Griffith will continue his association with Justin Langer, WA's senior coach, who will be Australia's interim national coach during the tri-series in the Caribbean. Langer replaces Darren Lehmann, who will take time out after almost 18 months of continual work.

In an exclusive interview, Adam Griffith speaks to Cricbuzz about his interim role in the Caribbean, future plans and working with Justin Langer among other things.

Was it a dream come true to become a coach in the Australian national team?

I was really happy, it was a great day when I found out the news. As a coach, or player, you are always striving to get to the next level. To be part of the Australian cricket team is the pinnacle and an honour. I am really excited about going to the Caribbean and have been working with the bowlers at the training camp in Brisbane (at the National Cricket Centre).

How will you approach being an interim coach? What do you want to work on with the bowlers?

I am only going to be with them for four weeks, so you can't change things too much. It would not be right to come in and make radical changes. I will not be doing that. The bowlers have been very successful and it is a very professional group. My role will be more to support them and be a mentor. I will reinforce the existing mantra and build on that. I will be a sounding board for the bowlers and give a fresh perspective of things. But there won't be anything drastic done on my behalf. The emphasis is mainly to keep things rolling smoothly.

How do you rate Australia's current bowling stocks?

Very good. (Mitchell) Starc is back from injury and he is raring to go. We have bowlers who are quick but can also move the ball. They are really good attributes and difficult to counter. It was a shame John Hastings was injured in the IPL and will miss the tri-series. But we have good depth with our quicks. I believe it is a strong squad we are taking to the Caribbean and it provides an opportunity for younger guys to make their mark. There are some talented bowlers emerging in Australian cricket and that is really exciting. The tour of the Caribbean provides a chance for some of these guys to show what they can do in international cricket.

A number of Australia's young quicks have been struck down by injuries in recent years. Is this a lingering concern?

No I don't think this is a concern. It is rare for any quick to not have injuries in their career, particularly when they are young. We are seeing young bowlers breaking down because their bodies aren't quite mature enough. That is why issues are happening. Bowling is very unnatural and stressful on the body.

Bowlers have to keep working hard and ensure their bodies are in great shape. Once they are mature and have developed, then they should be in a position where the body can cope. Of course, injuries are still always going to occur. It will always be part of the game.

Are you hoping to be Australia's permanent bowling coach?

Absolutely. I would love to do the role permanently. When I first went to WA, I was thinking that I wanted to one day be Australia's bowling coach. It has been a goal of mine and something that I strive for. But firstly I need to do a good job in the Caribbean, so that is what I am focusing on. It is important to not think too far ahead right now. We'll see what happens.

Do you know when Cricket Australia (CA) is likely to pick a permanent bowling coach? If you don't get the nod, will you remain with WA?

I have no idea when they (CA) plan to make a decision on the permanent role. They haven't said anything. I think they are waiting to see what happens on these tours of the Caribbean and Sri Lanka. I assume a decision will be made later in the year. I just have to do the job to the best of my ability and hopefully I will be considered when CA are making a decision. If I don't get the permanent role, I will be sticking with WA. I absolutely love it there and working with the bowlers and the team. I love living in Perth and won't be going anywhere. The only way I would leave WA is for a gig with the Australian cricket team.

Mickey Arthur brought you to Western Australia in early 2011 when he was coaching the team. How do you think he will go as Pakistan's coach?

Mickey got me across (to WA). I was still playing and was going to play in Europe but he swayed me to join WA. We didn't get to work together for too long because he became Australia's coach later that year (in 2011). I was really happy for Mickey when he got the Pakistan job. He will bring discipline and work ethic to Pakistani cricket. I think it will be a tough gig and Pakistan does go through a lot of coaches. But he will work hard and do his best.

You have worked closely with Justin Langer since late 2012. What are you expecting from him in the Caribbean?

We have a good relationship and that won't change in the Caribbean. It will be business as usual. I think he will be relaxed, he won't make any drastic changes in an interim role. As he acknowledges, the emphasis is giving Boof (Darren Lehmann) a spell. JL (Langer) will bring a wealth of knowledge to the role and provides a different voice. I think that is a good thing for the playing group, as it will keep things fresh.

Do you have a favourite Langer story?

(Chuckles). He is a little fiery under the collar. I have seen him give some pretty good sprays. He can unleash on players but then he has a good ability to quickly move on and get on with the business. He cools down pretty quickly and doesn't hold on to the anger. JL is of the highest character and has done a great job with WA cricket. I think he will do an excellent job with Australia.