Fleming played in 111 Test matches for New Zealand, the second-most capped men’s player in their history, before he became coach of Chennai Super Kings in 2009.

He has since coached Melbourne Stars and Rising Pune Supergiant, along with being appointed as the head coach of Joburg Super Kings in the new SA20 league.

In 2010, Fleming won the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Chennai Super Kings, along with the Champions League T20 in the same year, before winning the IPL again in 2018 and 2021.

Stephen Fleming, Southern Brave Men’s Head Coach, said:

“It is a real privilege to have been offered the role of Southern Brave Head Coach.

“I look forward to working with the team to continue building on the initial 
success that the side has had.

The competition has looked fantastic from afar and I can’t wait to be a part of it 
next season.”

Southern Brave’s men won the inaugural edition of The Hundred, beating Birmingham Phoenix in the final by 32 runs at Lord’s, but finished seventh in 2022 having won three matches.

Giles White, Director of Southern Brave (Men), said:

“Due to increased commitments with the MI franchise, Mahela has decided to step back from his role with the Southern Brave.

“Mahela led the team to success in the first edition of the Hundred and we would like to thank him for his hard work and commitment over the last two years.

“In his place we are delighted to welcome Stephen Fleming as the new coach for 2023 and look forward to seeing him build on the early success our talented squad.”

Mahela Jayawardena, Southern Brave Men’s former Head Coach, said:

“I really enjoyed my two years in the Hundred with Southern Brave, working with a really supportive management team and an exciting group of players.

“I would like to extend my thanks to all, including our passionate fans, for all the encouragement support that was given during my stint as head coach.

“I wish my successor Stephen and the team all the best for the 2023 season.”

Southern Brave would like to thank Mahela for his hard work over the last two years, and wish him all the best in his ventures elsewhere.