Daijiworld Media Network - Hobart
Hobart, Jun 22: Former Tasmanian cricketer Damien Wright will rejoin Tasmania as bowling coach of the men's team after completing his current assignment with the West Indies women's side at the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup, Cricket Tasmania announced on Monday.
Wright has been serving as assistant coach of the West Indies women's cricket team since January 2024, with a specific focus on fast-bowling development. The Caribbean side currently occupies second place in Group B and remains one of the three unbeaten teams in the tournament.
A former Tasmanian player himself, Wright was part of the squad that secured Tasmania's maiden Sheffield Shield title in the 2006-07 season. He later transitioned into coaching and previously worked with the Hobart Hurricanes.
Expressing his excitement about returning, Wright said the opportunity carried special significance.
“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.
Wright also gained experience in franchise cricket, serving as bowling coach of Punjab Kings in the Indian Premier League from March 2021 to January 2023.
Salliann Beams, Cricket Tasmania's General Manager of High Performance, said Wright's extensive coaching background would strengthen the men's programme.
“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 will work exclusively with Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup squads alongside head coach Jeff Vaughan.
Separately, the Hobart Hurricanes have appointed Shawn Bradstreet as their new bowling coach for the Big Bash League, replacing James Hopes, who has taken over coaching duties at the Sydney Sixers.
Bradstreet previously held coaching roles with the Sydney Thunder and New South Wales cricket team. He also worked alongside Ricky Ponting at Washington Freedom in the United States' Major League Cricket competition.