Former Proteas and India coach Gary Kirsten will coach the Cardiff-based team in The Hundred – the England and Wales Cricket Board’s new limited-overs tournament.
Kirsten will also coach the Durban Heat in the 2019 edition of the Mzansi Super League. He has also worked with the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Hobart Hurricanes in the Indian Premier League and Australia’s Big Bash League, respectively.
‘To be involved in English and Welsh cricket from a coaching perspective is something that I have never done. It’s great to be given that opportunity and to come to Cardiff,’ said Kirsten.
‘This is a new format that I am sure will grow and grow. The real win is that it will grab the attention of families and expose the game of cricket to as many environments and communities as possible.’
The Hundred will be launched in July 2020 and played across five weeks. The first edition will feature eight city-based teams from Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cardiff, Southampton and two in London (Lord’s and The Oval).
Former leg-spinner Shane Warne was recently appointed head coach of the Lord’s-based team. Warne’s team will comprise players from Essex, Northamptonshire and Middlesex.
‘I’m very proud and very honoured to be asked to be the head coach of The Hundred team based at Lord’s. The opportunity to coach in a brand-new tournament and work with modern-day players is something that I will really enjoy and I am looking forward to the challenge,’ said Warne.
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