Former South African batsman Gary Kirsten has been named as head coach of Cardiff-based team for the inauguration edition of England’s latest franchise tournament – The Hundred.
The England and Wales Cricket Board's (ECB) eight-team competition will take place between July and September in 2020 and former India and South Africa coach is excited to be part of the brand-new format of the game.
After being appointed as coach of the men's Cardiff-based franchise, Kirsten will combine the Hundred role with coaching the Durban Heat T20 side in South Africa’s Mzansi Super League (MSL).
With the latest development, Kirsten became the fourth overseas coach in the England’s tournament after Australia’s Andrew McDonald (Birmingham), Simon Katich (Manchester) and Shane Warne (Lord's).
Kirsten told media on Monday, 12th August, “I got a call from (Glamorgan chief executive) Hugh Morris to see if I was interested. It's a new format and the euphoria in the game is at fever pitch, so I'm really excited to be in the mix and to work with a new team. I've got a feeling it will grow organically, there's a great curiosity around the new format.”
He signed off by saying, “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. 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 South African has immense experience of coaching including international and franchise cricket – he guided India to their first World Cup triumph in 2011 after 28 years and his own country to the top of the International Cricket Council Test rankings.
He also has franchise experience with Hobart Hurricanes in Australia's Big Bash, and Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.
(With ESPNCricinfo Inputs)
