Former Australia all-rounder Andrew McDonald has been appointed the Head Coach of the men’s Birmingham-based team in The Hundred.
Earlier this year McDonald (38) became the first coach to secure an Australian domestic treble, since the launch of the Big Bash, leading Melbourne Renegades to a first title, whilst also securing the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup with his native Victoria. He also led Victoria to Sheffield Shield success in 2017.
McDonald said: “The Hundred is a tournament that’s generating interest across the globe and the opportunity to be part of it as Head Coach of the Birmingham team is something that I’m relishing.
“Being based at Edgbaston will give this team access to some of the best cricket facilities in the world, but it’s also a venue that’s very well known for its atmosphere and having such a passionate home crowd behind us will be fantastic as we look to progress through the tournament.”
Sanjay Patel, managing director of The Hundred added: “The Hundred will feature world class players on a big stage playing exciting 100 ball cricket. A year out, we’re attracting world class coaches and Andrew is a fantastic appointment for the men’s Birmingham-based team.”
McDonald will be assisted at Edgbaston by New Zealand legend Daniel Vettori, who has enjoyed spells as Head Coach of IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, Brisbane Heat of the Big Bash, and Vitality Blast stints with Middlesex and Derbyshire Falcons.
Warwickshire First Team Coach Jim Troughton and Worcestershire First Team Coach Alex Gidman complete the Birmingham men’s team coaching staff, whilst sports analyst Dan Weston will also be part of the backroom staff as the Data Insights Manager.
Warwickshire CCC Chief Operating Officer, Craig Flindall, said: “Andrew has quickly become one of the most sought-after coaches in the game, having won multiple trophies in such a short space of time and developed relationships with many of the world’s leading players. He also boasts coaching experience in England, having spent two years with Leicestershire.
“We went through a very comprehensive selection process and spoke to several outstanding coaches, who have vast experience of the international game, in addition to marquee T20 tournaments. However, Andrew was the standout candidate amongst this group and everyone is looking forward to welcoming him to Edgbaston to represent our men’s team in The Hundred.”
Matt Rawnsley, Chief Executive of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, said: “We welcome Andrew to the region. I’m sure the players and coaches involved in the Birmingham men’s team will learn a lot from him and Daniel, both have a wealth of experience in the game, which will be invaluable to all around them.”
McDonald’s appointment follows the recent announcement that Simon Katich will coach the men’s Manchester-based team.
The Hundred is set to provide sports fans with an exciting new 100 ball format with world-class players from England and around the world competing in a men’s and women’s competitions.
The five-week tournament will be played at the height of summer and feature eight city-based teams from Manchester, Leeds, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cardiff, Southampton and two in London (Lord’s and the Oval).
The men’s Player Draft is set to provide an historic first for British sport when it is staged on Sunday, October 20. It will be shown live by Sky Sports, with extensive coverage across the BBC.
