Sydney, 22 July (H.S.): Experienced Australian coach Matthew Mott has been appointed as the head coach of Big Bash League (BBL) franchise Sydney Sixers’ men’s team, with the club signing him on a two-year contract. Mott will take charge of the team ahead of BBL|16.

The 52-year-old coach replaces James Hopes, who stepped down last month after accepting a dual coaching role with Queensland and the Brisbane Heat.

Mott had served as the assistant coach of the Sydney Sixers men’s team for the past two seasons. He later took charge of the women’s team last season and guided them to the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) Challenger. The Sydney Sixers are expected to announce the new head coach of their women’s team this week.

Mott has enjoyed a highly successful coaching career spanning more than two decades. He served as the head coach of England’s men’s limited-overs teams from 2022 to 2024 and guided the side to the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title under captain Jos Buttler.

Before that, Mott was the head coach of the Australian women’s team from 2015 to 2022. Under his leadership, Australia won two T20 World Cups, the 2022 Women’s ODI World Cup, four Ashes series and achieved a world-record streak of 26 consecutive ODI victories.

Following his appointment, Mott said in an official statement released by the franchise, “I have been part of the Sixers family for a long time, so the opportunity to become the head coach of the BBL team is extremely exciting for me. This club has a great history and a winning culture. I look forward to building on the strong foundations that have been created over many years. Working with the men’s team, I have closely witnessed the talent and potential of the players.”

He added, “It is certainly disappointing that I will no longer be the head coach of the WBBL team, but my time with the women’s side has been very special. I wish Ash Gardner, all the players and the support staff the very best for WBBL|12.”

Sydney Sixers General Manager Rachel Haynes praised Mott’s appointment, saying, “Matthew is one of the most respected and successful T20 coaches in the world. His record of building successful teams speaks for itself. Since joining the club, he has made a positive impact on both the men’s and women’s programmes. His leadership, cricket knowledge and ability to develop a strong team culture make him the ideal person for this role.”

Haynes added that the franchise decided to appoint separate head coaches for the BBL and WBBL teams to ensure greater consistency and stability in both programmes amid possible future changes to the competitions.

“We considered Matthew’s ability to lead both teams, but keeping the long-term strategy in mind, we have taken this decision. The announcement of the new head coach for the women’s team will be made soon,” she said.

Mott’s appointment comes at a time when Sydney Sixers are undergoing a transition phase. The team will also need a new captain following Moisés Henriques’ retirement from Australian domestic cricket.

Before becoming a coach, Mott played 66 first-class matches for Queensland and Victoria, scoring 3,723 runs. During his coaching career, he has worked with New South Wales, Glamorgan, IPL franchises Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals. He has also been associated with Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket.

Currently, Mott is also serving as the head coach of Manchester Super Giants Women in The Hundred and as a T20 consultant with Lancashire.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar