Wright to rejoin Tasmania as bowling coach after Women's T20 WC stint with West Indies
Hobart, June 22
Damien Wright will return to Tasmania as bowling coach of the men's team once he completes his current stint with the West Indies women's team in the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup, Cricket Tasmania announced on Monday.
Wright has been the assistant coach of the West Indies women's team since January 2024 and is specialising in fast bowling. As of now, West Indies are at second spot in Group B of the Women's T20 World Cup and are one of the three unbeaten teams in the competition.
Wright, who himself played for Tasmania, including being a part of their maiden Sheffield Shield triumph in 2006‑07, and later was a coach with Hobart Hurricanes, said the opportunity to return was deeply personal.
"Cricket Tasmania has always held a special place in my heart. The Tigers have played such an important role in my life, both professionally and personally, and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return. I can't wait to reconnect with the players and staff and continue to build something special for Tasmania," he said in a statement on Monday.
Wright also worked as a bowling coach with the Punjab Kings in the IPL from March 2021 to January 2023. Salliann Beams, Tasmania's General Manager of High Performance, said Wright's experience across IPL, BBL and international cricket would be invaluable for the men's set-up.
"Wright brings valuable experience having coached in some of the world's leading T20 competitions. His background spans player development, fast bowling coaching and high‑performance environments," she said.
Wright, though, will only work with Tasmania's Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup teams alongside head coach Jeff Vaughan. Meanwhile, Shawn Bradstreet has been appointed as the Hurricanes' new bowling coach in the BBL, and will replace James Hopes, who has taken charge of Sydney Sixers.
Bradstreet previously held similar roles with Sydney Thunder and New South Wales, and also worked alongside Ricky Ponting at Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see coaches moving between women's and men's cricket - it shows the game is truly one. Wright coaching West Indies women's team during T20 WC and then heading back home, that's some dedication. Though I wonder if his focus is divided right now in the middle of a World Cup? 🤔
Cricket Tasmania seems to be building a good support staff. Wright's experience with the Hurricanes, IPL and international teams makes him an ideal mentor for young fast bowlers. The domestic structure in Australia keeps getting stronger - India needs similar investment in our domestic coaching setup! 🇮🇳
I'm happy to see the West Indies women's team is doing well in the T20 World Cup under his guidance. But isn't it a bit unfair to announce his departure mid-tournament? Could affect team morale. Hope they handle the transition smoothly. Just my two cents! 😊
Wright playing a part in Tasmania's 2006-07 Sheffield Shield win and now returning as coach - poochi katha (full circle). His work with Punjab Kings showed he knows how to handle Indian players too. Be interesting to see what he brings to the Tigers' fast bowling unit. Shabash! 👏
Solid appointment from Tasmania. Wright's coaching resume across BBL, IPL and West Indies is impressive. And Shawn Bradstreet replacing Hopes at Hurricanes - that's another good move given Bradstreet's MLC experience with Ponting. Australian domestic cricket's coaching depth is unmatched.
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