3 minute read
World Cup winning coach Trevor Bayliss has been named Sydney Thunder's mentor for the next three seasons in a huge boost for the BBL franchise.
World Cup winning coach Trevor Bayliss is returning "home" to take charge of the Sydney Thunder for the next three BBL seasons.
The move is a huge boost for the Thunder, who returned to the finals last season after missing out three years in a row since their title win in 2016.
The 58-year-old has a stunning coaching CV having led England to ODI World Cup glory at Lord's in 2019, twice winning the IPL while in charge of the Kolkata Knight Riders and steering the Sydney Sixers to the title in the inaugural season of the BBL a decade ago.
Bayliss, who also coached NSW to Sheffield Shield and one-day titles between 2004 and 2007, said he is excited to be involved with the Thunder - replacing the departed Shane Bond, who stepped down from the role for family reasons in April.
"It's great to be home and involved in New South Wales cricket," Bayliss said.
"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."
The Thunder finished fifth on the ladder last season but made it through to the knockout final, going down to the Brisbane Heat in Canberra.
Living in the Thunder's heartland of Sydney's western suburbs, Bayliss is enthused by a squad that "has got some very exciting young NSW players" and is keen for the fans to return to the games to give his side the best chance of success.
"Hopefully this year we can get some crowds back into the matches and making plenty of noise," he said.
"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 on a good show for the fans."
Cricket NSW head of male cricket Michael Klinger said Bayliss is a perfect fit for the role.
"Trevor will continue to shape the squad which will include selecting a new captain and with the addition of quality overseas players," Klinger said.
