Bond named to coach Thunder in Big Bash

Former Black Cap Shane Bond has been named Sydney Thunder coach.

The 42-year-old was assistant coach of the Brisbane Heat during the last Big Bash season, but will move to Sydney on a three-year contract.

‘‘The chance to lead a programme at a club which is full of great people on and off the field was very appealing,’’ Bond said.

‘‘I want to win trophies and have a squad of players and coaches that other teams are envious of. There’s some exciting young players in the Thunder squad as well as some experienced old bulls, if we can blend that together we’ll have a successful team.

‘‘I’m looking forward to getting to Western Sydney and meeting the players and everyone in the organisation.’’

Bond played 18 tests, 82 ODIs and 20 T20s for New Zealand before retiring in 2010.

He has been New Zealand’s bowling coach in the past, worked with the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League and was bowling consultant to England during the most recent Ashes series against Australia.

His departure from the Heat means he will go from being a colleague to an adversary of Brisbane head coach and former Black Caps team-mate Daniel Vettori.

Another former team-mate, Stephen Fleming, coaches the Melbourne Stars, meaning three of the eight Big Bash teams will be coached by Kiwis.

Thunder general manager Lee Germon, a former Black Cap himself, said he believed Bond had the ability and experience to coach at the highest level.

‘‘He is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading bowling coaches and I have no doubt he is ready and equipped to be a head coach.

‘‘He has extensive T20 club and international experience and he has shown all the requirements for contemporary, world leading, T20 coaching.’’

Sydney Thunder finished sixth last season in the Big Bash.