Shane Bond, the former New Zealand pace bowler, has been appointed as the head coach of Birmingham Phoenix, the English side competing in The Hundred. He replaces Daniel Vettori, who had held the position since 2024, on a two-year contract.
Vettori is expected to take charge of the Sunrisers Leeds franchise after leaving Birmingham, although an official announcement regarding this move is yet to be made.
Bond brings with him extensive coaching experience in franchise cricket. He served as the bowling coach for Mumbai Indians from 2015 to 2022 and has since held the same role with Rajasthan Royals. In addition, he has experience as head coach with Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League and with the Perth Royals in the Women’s Big Bash.
Following a change in ownership, Birmingham Phoenix made Bond’s appointment as head coach its first major decision. The club is now jointly managed by Warwickshire County Cricket Club and US-based investment firm Knighthead Capital.
Bond also has playing experience in England. In 2002, he played a brief stint for Warwickshire, taking 12 wickets across four matches.
Apart from Bond’s appointment, there have been other notable changes in The Hundred coaching panels this season. Andy Flower has left Trent Rockets to join London Spirit, Tom Moody has moved from Oval Invincibles to take up a global role with Lucknow Super Giants, and Andrew Flintoff has departed Sunrisers Leeds.
Shane Bond – Brief Profile
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Shane Bond |
| Nationality | New Zealand |
| Former Roles | International fast bowler, Mumbai Indians bowling coach, Rajasthan Royals bowling coach |
| Current Role | Head Coach, Birmingham Phoenix |
| Franchise Experience | Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Sydney Thunder, Perth Royals |
| Playing in England | Warwickshire (2002, 4 matches, 12 wickets) |
Bond’s appointment is expected to strengthen Birmingham Phoenix’s coaching structure, bringing a wealth of international and franchise-level experience that should benefit both the men’s and women’s sides in The Hundred.
