Nielsen to coach until Ashes in 2013

Cricket Australia (CA) has renewed Australian team coach Tim Nielsen's contract until the end of the next Ashes series in England in 2013.

CA chief executive James Sutherland told contracted Australian players at their camp in Coolum, Queensland, on Tuesday that Nielsen will remain at the helm through the next two Ashes' campaigns as well as Australia's bid to win a fourth consecutive World Cup in early 2011.

Nielsen has been coach of the national team since taking over from John Buchanan in February 2007 and Sutherland said he'd done well in guiding it through a difficult period as it rebuilt after the retirement of matchwinners like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist.

"Tim has been at the helm through a significant and challenging period of transition which has seen a number of once-in-a-generation global champions retire from the Australian team," Sutherland said.

Ponting welcomed the long-term appointment.

"This reappointment is a fantastic step forward for Australian cricket and recognition for the hard work of Tim and his coaching staff since his tenure began,"said Ponting.