MELBOURNE (Reuters)
John Buchanan has been reappointed as Australia coach for another two years, the Australian Cricket Board announced on Tuesday. The board said Buchanan had extended his contract until the 2003 World Cup in South Africa.

"The last two years have been a fantastic experience for me and I'm extremely grateful to have the opportunity to be associated with the Australian team for another two years," Buchanan said.

"We have had a great deal of success so far but now the challenge is to raise the bar again and we will be trying to do just that."

Buchanan took over as Australian coach in October 1999, replacing former Test batsman Geoff Marsh. During his time in charge, Australia set a world record of 16 consecutive Test wins and 14 one-day victories, with the 2-1 loss to India the only series defeat.

Australia captain Steve Waugh said Buchanan had played a significant role in the team's success over the past two years.

"He has the excellent cricketing knowledge you would expect of someone at international level, but he has also encouraged us to look at things differently and challenge the way we have played the game in the past," Waugh said.

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