Highly-rated bowling mentor Ali de Winter has been appointed coach of the Hobart Hurricanes Big Bash franchise.
The 43-year-old former Tasmania all-rounder has been in charge of the Tigers' all-conquering pace bowling quartet since 2007.
He was widely seen as a key contributor as the Tigers won only their second Sheffield Shield last season.
Before returning to Tasmania, de Winter was a zone coaching manager in Western Australia and headed up the national cricket academy in Bangladesh.
He was also short-listed for the role of Australian bowling coach last month, but was overlooked in favour of former Test quick Craig McDermott.
The Hurricanes are one of eight franchises to compete in the revised Twenty20 domestic league in the upcoming summer, flying under a separate banner to the Tigers.
De Winter says the new competition could potentially reinvigorate the sport in Australia.
"This Big Bash League concept is extremely exciting and cricket is opening up to everyone - bringing the game to all walks of life and age groups including families, children, women and those from traditionally non-cricket backgrounds," he said.
"I think once the team lists have been named around the country the rivalry will start and this league will really gain some momentum before the battles begin."
- AAP
Tags: cricket, sport, hobart-7000 First posted June 09, 2011 17:34:47
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