Quantcast

Vettori unveiled as Brisbane Heat coach

Retired New Zealand great replaces Stuart Law as coach of Brisbane Heat for next three BBL seasons

Just days after Daniel Vettori officially retired from international cricket, the Black Caps legend has been confirmed as coach of KFC T20 Big Bash League franchise Brisbane Heat for the next three seasons.

Vettori was contracted with the Heat between BBL|01 and BBL|04 and his appointment as coach had been mooted since Stuart Law's departure as coach of the Heat and the my Foot Dr Queensland Bulls in January.

Vettori will not take on the role as Bulls coach, meaning he will be the first standalone coach in the Heat's history

The Kiwi's playing days came to an end following New Zealand's loss to Australia in the World Cup final on Sunday, and the 36-year-old is now free to continue his coaching career.

Vettori has had one of the most decorated careers in New Zealand cricket history

He confirmed his retirement from playing upon arriving home in Auckland on Tuesday and will head to India today to once again take up his role as coach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League.

"It is a big job but one that I am excited about tackling," he said about joining the Heat.

"I found my initial experience as the coach of Bangalore in the IPL to be very rewarding last year and so I am grateful to them for allowing me this additional opportunity to develop my coaching skills and background.

"It has been a few big months for everyone with the World Cup but I am pleased to begin getting myself ready for what comes next.

"The Heat are well advanced with preparations and I thank the off-field team for their efficiency and effectiveness in moving things along.

"I’m look forward to getting to work with the Heat in a month or so and building towards the next season and beyond."

The left-arm spinner is regarded as one of the best players ever to come out of New Zealand; he took 705 wickets and scored almost 7000 runs in an international career that spanned three decades.Image Id: ~/media/657736DCB43944389B0B5707E9EA71B8

Dan Vettori had memorable tournament in Australia and New Zealand // Getty Images

And he was an accomplished player right to the end, capturing 15 wickets at 20.46 in the World Cup to be named in the ICC Team of the Tournament.

"Dan coming on board for the next three BBL seasons will certainly assist us with finalising the bulk of our recruiting and planning for the coming year," said Queensland Cricket High Performance Manager Brett Jones.

"We’re delighted to have Dan back with us, considering it is a relationship that goes back more than five years ago to the original Big Bash when he played for Queensland.

"We have welcomed his input on and off the field in those ensuing years and look forward to him taking the Heat forward, and continuing to create great experiences for our fans at our matches."

The Heat had a disappointing BBL|04 campaign, finishing last on the table with just two wins from eight matches.

At the end of the season, coach Law left the franchise and allrounder James Hopes stepped down as skipper.

Four players - Nathan Reardon, Ben Cutting, Joe Burns and Chris Lynn - are the only men confirmed on the Heat's playing roster for BBL|05.

Image Id: ~/media/25845C86DEBF4B4BA67D0219B3B2A757

Vettori has been a permanent fixture at the Heat since BBL|01 // Getty Images