Desk: Former Australian all-rounder James Hopes has got a big opportunity in the Big Bash. Sydney Sixers, who have won the Men’s BBL title thrice, have given him an important responsibility. James Hopes, who is playing the role of bowling coach of Punjab Kings in IPL, has been appointed as the head coach by Sydney Sixers. For this role, James Hopes has signed a two-year contract with Sydney Sixers. James Hopes, who played 84 ODIs and 12 T20s for Australia, will take over as the head coach of Sydney Sixers before the next season of Big Bash.

This will be the first time that James Hopes will be seen playing the role of head coach of a team. Till now, he has been associated with 7 teams in T20 leagues around the world including 2 IPL teams, but his role there has been either that of bowling coach or assistant coach. In IPL, James Hopes is associated with Punjab Kings as a bowling coach. Earlier, he was associated with Delhi Capitals as an assistant coach. He has played the role of bowling coach for Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket. He was associated as assistant coach with Brisbane Heats, Queensland Bulls, Hobart Hurricanes and Tasmanian Tigers.

By becoming the head coach of Sydney Sixers, James Hopes said that it is a big thing for him that he is going to be a part of a cricket club which has a proud history and whose foundation is strong. He further said that he is looking forward to working with the capable players of Sydney Sixers and contributing to the Sixers’ further journey in the Big Bash.

Sydney Sixers general manager Russell Haines described the appointment of James Hopes as head coach as the beginning of a new chapter. He said that James has an excellent cricketing mind, which will help us in developing new players and improving the track record of the team. We have decided to make him the head coach considering his experience in Australian domestic cricket and T20 leagues around the world.