Nielsen guided Australia to victory in the World Cup in his first year as coach

Tim Nielsen is to continue as Australia coach until the end of the 2013 Ashes series after his contract was renewed.

Australia's Test side has fallen in the rankings from first to fourth since Nielsen, 42, took over in 2007.

But they remain top in the one-day game and Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland said: "Tim has been at the helm through a challenging period.

"In assessing this reappointment, it was important to note the support for Tim from players and management."

Nielsen succeeded John Buchanan as coach in February 2007 and has been in charge through a period in which their world dominance ended following the retirement of star players such as wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist, pace bowler Glen McGrath and spinner Shane Warne.

The former head coach at the Centre of Excellence in Queensland has guided Australia to victories in 20 of the 36 Test matches they have played - including eight of the last 10.

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In the one-day game, he guided his side to a third successive World Cup triumph with victory over Sri Lanka in the 2007 tournament held in the West Indies and has racked up 57 wins in 88 matches.

Australia have also won 18 of their 33 Twenty20 games under the former South Australia wicketkeeper's leadership.

And his reward is the chance to lead Australia through the next two Ashes campaigns - down under later this year and in England in 2013.

Nielsen stated: "I am excited about the coming phase in Australian cricket.

"We have players who have found their feet at international level and more coming through, it is a great time to be renewing my role."

Australia skipper Ricky Ponting added: "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.

"I look forward to continuing our close working relationship as this team enters a period of great importance, striving to reclaim the Ashes and secure a fourth successive ICC World Cup."

The news follows the appointment of Greg Chappell as Australia's inaugural national talent manager, with the former Test captain becoming a full-time selector on CA's selection panel.

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