Bayliss Named Head Coach of Sydney Thunder

Former England coach returns to BBL

Manuka Oval Sydney Thunder

Former England coach Trevor Baylis has been named as the new head coach of Big Bash League side Sydney Thunder.

He has signed a three-year deal to replace the outgoing Shane Bond, who wants more time with his family.

Bayliss, who guided England to the 2019 World Cup, returns to the BBL after a previous stint with city neighbours Sydney Thunders.

He was with the Thunder between 2011 and 2015 and helped them secure the title in the first year of the league.

Bayliss is the current coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League but is looking forward to getting started back in Australia.

He said: “It's great to be home and involved in New South Wales cricket.

“The Thunder have done well over the last few years. Hopefully we can go one or two steps further this summer.

To win as many matches as possible and compete in the final is my number one goal.

“Hopefully this year we can get some crowds back into the matches and making plenty of noise. My experience over the years is that these players are at their best when there is some good atmosphere around the match so hopefully, we can put a good show for the fans,” he added.

Saker in at the Renegades

Meanwhile, David Saker has joined Melbourne Renegades as their head coach.

The former Australia, England and Sri Lanka pace-bowling coach previously worked with the Renegades in the 2015-16 Big Bash League campaign.

It is hoped he can turn their fortunes around following disappointing in the last two editions of the tournament.

Saker, who has been given a two-year deal at Melbourne, said: “We've got a talented squad with some class and power at the top of the order, complemented by a strong bowling attack and some exciting young talent.

“We'll be looking to add to this group over the next few months to ensure we've got plenty of options when the season gets underway.

“The Big Bash has continued to grow since my last involvement and it's more competitive than ever on the field so I'm looking forward to working with the playing group to ensure we give ourselves every chance of success.”

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Chris is passionate about all forms of cricket and loves writing about the sport. He has a background in both sport and news journalism and has written cricket and other sports content for several years now. Chris has written about all levels of the game from regional club cricket in England to the international stage. He now brings that experience to the iGaming industry where he combines it with his love of betting. Chris loves to bet on many different sports, but particularly enjoys seeking out the best value bets on offer and passing that on through his coverage.