The franchise Melbourne Stars have appointed former Yorkshire all-rounder Richard Pyrah as their new WBBL head coach, with last year’s coach Andy Christie moving back into an assistant role.
Under the guidance of Christie, Melbourne Stars reached the knockouts last season, where they were beaten by Perth Scorchers. However, he moved back to an assistant role in July, aiming to focus more on his head coach role with Victoria in the WNCL.
Richard Pyrah is currently in his third year as Yorkshire Women’s coach and also served as an assistant coach with Sunrisers in The Hundred this season.
Currently, he is working with WBBL Stars captain Annabel Sutherland, who was player of the season as Sunrisers made the final before being beaten by Trent Rockets.
Richard Pyrah was an all-rounder on the field, playing 105 T20 matches for Yorkshire between 2005 and 2015.
Since his playing career, Richard Pyrah has held various coaching consultant roles across the England and Wales Cricket Board, as well as leading Yorkshire’s men’s team in both head coach and assistant coaching positions.
Pyrah has worked in the BBL previously as a consultant with Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers between 2015 and 2017.
“He is an experienced coach across both women’s and men’s programs and will bring a diverse skill set to the team,” said Melbourne Stars general manager James Rosengarten. “This move is all about strengthening our club.”
“Andy did a sensational job last season guiding our team to the WBBL finals, and having him remain a part of the program was important to us.”
“He already coaches a number of our players across the Victorian women’s team, so to have that continuity leading into the WBBL season will be an asset for us.”
The Melbourne Renegades have also made a coaching change, with Gavan Twining appointed to lead the side ahead of the upcoming season. He will be taking over after Simon Helmot departed to coach the Gulf Giants in the ILT20.
Stars will begin their campaign by playing their opening match against the Hobart Hurricanes in the 2nd match on October 29 at Junction Oval, Melbourne.