Australia news – Sydney Sixers appoint James Hopes as new BBL coach

The Sixers role will be Hopes’ first as head coach, but he has a long resume of experience as a bowling coach in the IPL, BBL and MLC, as well as working with Queensland and most recently Tasmania in Australia’s domestic system.

Hopes played 84 ODIs and 12 T20s for Australia and also captained Queensland to Shield and ODI titles during an outstanding 16-year first-class career.

Hopes played all his BBL cricket with Brisbane Heat in the first six seasons of the BBL, but was excited to join Sixers as head coach. “I am incredibly honored to join the Sydney Sixers, a club with a proud history and a strong identity built on consistency, competitiveness and connection with its fans,” he said. “I am excited to work with a talented playing group and contribute to the next phase of the Sixers’ success in the BBL.”

Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes said Hopes’ deep coaching experience in T20 franchise cricket made him a valuable asset.

“James is an exceptional cricket mind with a proven track record of developing players and building high performance environments,” said Haynes. “His depth of experience across Australian domestic cricket and international franchise competitions makes him an excellent fit for the Sixers. We are delighted to welcome him to the club as we enter an exciting new chapter.”