It has been announced. Andrew McDonald will lead the men’s Birmingham Phoenix team.

This year McDonald became the first coach to win three Australian trophies in a season since the launch of the Big Bash. He led Melbourne Renegades to a first Big Bash title. Won the Australian four-day competition, the Sheffield Shield. Plus victory in the One-Day Cup. Both with his native state Victoria. He also lead Victoria to Sheffield Shield success in 2017.

McDonald said: “The Hundred is a tournament that’s generating interest across the globe and the opportunity to be part of it as Head Coach of the Birmingham Phoenix is something that I’m relishing.

“Being based at Edgbaston will give this team access to some of the best cricket facilities in the world, but it’s also a venue that’s very well known for its atmosphere and having such a passionate home crowd behind us will be a fantastic as we look to progress through the tournament.”

McDonald will be assisted at Edgbaston by New Zealand legend Daniel Vettori, who has enjoyed spells as Head Coach of IPL franchise Royal Challengers Bangalore, Brisbane Heat of the Big Bash, and Vitality Blast stints with Middlesex and Derbyshire Falcons.

Warwickshire First Team Coach Jim Troughton and Worcestershire First Team Coach Alex Gidman complete the Birmingham team coaching staff, whilst sports analyst Dan Weston will also be part of the backroom staff as the Data Insights Manager.

McDonald’s appointment follows the recent announcement that Simon Katich will coach the men’s Manchester Originals. Read more on his announcement here.

On 20 October 2019 history will be made. We’ll be holding the first men’s Player Draft. Selecting eight brand new men's teams. It will be shown live by Sky Sports, with extensive coverage across the BBC. Who will be McDonald’s first pick?

The process for selecting women's teams will be revealed soon. Stay tuned.

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