South Africa’s Gary Kirsten Named Hobart Hurricanes Coach
Apr 3, 2017 at 12:38 PM
Former South Africa opener Gary Kirsten has been roped in by Hobart Hurricanes as their head coach for the next season of the Big Bash League.
The Hurricanes, on Monday (April 3), announced that Kirsten has taken up a two-year deal to coach the franchise, who were looking for a new coach ever since sacking Damien Wright following a disappointing campaign in the last edition.
After making it to two finals in the first three seasons, the Hurricanes failed to qualify for the knock-out rounds in the last three seasons, finishing a disappointing fifth (2014-15), and seventh positions (2015-16, 2016-17) in the eight-team tournament.
Expressing his delight after being appointed the head coach, Kirsten said:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed watching BBL over the past few years and I’m really looking forward to this coaching opportunity with the Hurricanes. My vision is to help the Hurricanes become the club of choice for all aspiring BBL players.”
“I would also like to help create an environment which enables a positive and entertaining brand of T20 cricket and to help deliver consistent success to the club.”
Considered as one of the best players from South Africa, Kirsten played 101 Tests for the Proteas, scoring 7,289 runs. But he found, even more, success as a coach when he was appointed India’s coach in 2007.
The 49-year old took them to the No.1 in the ICC’s Test rankings and finished his stint by leading them to the 2011 World Cup title. He was then roped in by his native country South Africa as the head coach for two years.
He also coached Indian Premier League outfit Delhi Daredevils between 2013 and 2015.