Australia's chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch believes that it was a 'coup' to entice former England bowling coach Troy Cooley back to Australia in the lead-up to the Ashes series starting in November.
Cooley played a significant part in England's 2-1 defeat of Australia last year by imparting his extensive knowledge of the art of fast-bowling onto Steve Harmison, Andrew Flintoff, Simon Jones and Matthew Hoggard - the latter trio in particular having an enormous impact in the series with their reverse-swing.
The Tasmanian-born Cooley will begin his position with Cricket Australia at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane where young bowlers will have the chance to improve their games under his tutelage.
But it will be his work with Australian international bowlers as the Ashes draws nearer that may prove to be the difference between the sides as Australia seeks to regain the famous urn.
"It was a real coup to get Troy back here," Hilditch told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"It was quite clear from last year's Ashes just how good a job he did with England's quicks.
"They were awesome. We are very happy with our batch of quicks coming through, and it's exciting to think the kind of impact he could have with them."
Cooley was England's fast bowling coach since May 2003 before his arrival back in Australia, which comes a month after his England and Wales Cricket Board contract expired.
