Pat Howard extends Cricket Australia contract

Sydney - Pat Howard will remain Cricket Australia's high performance manager through 2019 after signing a two-year contract extension.

The 43-year-old, who played 20 rugby matches for Australia at fly-half, has held the role with responsibility for Australia's men's and women's teams since 2011.

Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said Howard had been passionate and dynamic in developing Australian cricket.

"He has led the evolution of a new team performance structure and success-driven culture for both men's and women's cricket in Australia and we see his ongoing contribution as integral to our future plans," said Sutherland.

Howard said while the cricket landscape is changing rapidly "the goal hasn't changed".

"We want to be number one in all three formats across men's and women's cricket," said Howard.