Gary Kirsten to coach Hobart Hurricanes

Gary Kirsten has joined the Hobart Hurricanes as coach of Tasmania's Big Bash League team for the next two seasons. Kirsten was chosen for the role by a panel including Ricky Ponting and David Boon.

Having previously coached India and South Africa, Kirsten has recently taken on a range of consultancy roles after he resigned as coach of Delhi Daredevils in the IPL by mutual agreement in late 2015.

Kirsten, 49, was replaced there by Paddy Upton, who, via his concurrent job as coach of the Sydney Thunder, provided an insight into the workings of a South African coach to former Thunder general manager Nick Cummins, who in January was named the new chief executive of Tasmania Cricket.

"I am committed to developing the young T20 talent within the club and the region - at the same time creating the best environment for our leaders and experienced players to perform their best," Kirsten said. "To have the opportunity to work within Australian cricket is a huge privilege.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed watching BBL over the past few years and I'm really looking forward to this coaching opportunity with the Hurricanes and Tasmanian cricket. My vision is to help the Hurricanes become the club of choice for all aspiring BBL players. I would also like to help create an environment which enables a positive and entertaining brand of T20 cricket and to help deliver consistent success to the club."

Cummins joined Ponting and Boon on the coaching selection panel alongside Cricket Tasmania's general manager Andrew Dykes and Hurricanes general manager Bill Avery.

"Gary has a contemporary approach to T20 coaching and is looking forward to creating a vibrant and strong environment for players to succeed," Avery said. "We are striving for the Hurricanes to be a BBL club of choice for local and international T20 players, and Gary shares this vision."

Kirsten is expected to visit Hobart in mid-year to get acquainted with the team before taking up the role at the outset of the BBL. Tasmania, meanwhile, have to also find a state coach, after deciding to remove Dan Marsh from the role while this year's Sheffield Shield was still in progress.