Sydney Sixers appoint James Hopes as new head coach

Former Australian allrounder James Hopes has been appointed as the new head coach of Sydney Sixers on a two-year contract, the club confirmed on Monday. This will be the 47-year-old's first head coach role.

Hopes has held assistant coaching roles, primarily as bowling coach in franchise cricket. He is currently working with Punjab Kings in the ongoing IPL. He will now be in charge of one of the most successful franchises in BBL history. Sixers have won the title thrice and have finished runners-up on multiple occasions including the latest edition, after which Greg Shipperd was let go.

"I'm incredibly honoured to join the Sydney Sixers, a club with a proud history and a strong identity built on consistency, competitiveness and connection with its fans," Hopes said. "I'm excited to work with a talented playing group and contribute to the next phase of the Sixers' success in the BBL."

Hopes has played 84 ODIs and 12 T20Is for Australia, with his last international appearance coming in 2010.