Greg Chappell to coach young Australia players

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Former test captain Greg Chappell has been appointed as the new head coach of Australian cricket's Centre of Excellence.

Chappell will oversee the development of Australia's next generation of players after being hired to replace Tim Nielsen who has taken over as coach of the Australian national side.

Chappell, who also served a two-year stint as India coach, signed a three-year deal to take what one of the most important cricket jobs in Australia.

"Greg brings to the role a great deal of experience as player, captain and coach," Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said.

"His recent coaching experiences in India add to the key lessons and insights he will offer Australia's emerging talent.

"This is a key appointment for Australian Cricket."

The 60-year-old Chappell was one of Australia's most successful batsmen during his playing career in the 1970s and early 1980s.

He played 87 tests, scoring 7,110 runs at an average of 53.86 and captaining his country 48 times.

"I am looking forward to the challenge this position will offer in what is an exciting time, not just for Australian cricket but world cricket as a whole," Chappell said.