Photo Credit: Cricket NSW
The Sydney Sixers’ only ever WBBL head coach Ben Sawyer has confirmed his departure from the two-time champions after his appointment as the Australian Women’s Team’s full-time pace bowling coach.
Sawyer, who will also step down from his role as acting head coach of the NSW Breakers, will work with the champion national team alongside head coach Matthew Mott and assistant coach Shelley Nitschke.
The six-year WBBL mentor previously held the Australian team role in a part-time capacity and re-joins the team having spent the last 12 months as NSW Breakers Assistant Coach.
CNSW are well advanced in the recruitment process for a new head coach for the Breakers, while a search for a new Sixers mentor began this week.
Sawyer said while he was excited about his new role, it was a tough decision to step away from the Sixers and Breakers.
“I’m very grateful for another opportunity with the Australian Women’s Team and can’t wait to again work with the players and support staff,” Sawyer said.
“Unfortunately, the job does mean that I won’t be able to continue in my roles with the Sixers and Breakers and that isn’t a decision I have taken lightly.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to work with the Sixers over the first six years of the WBBL, where we were able to win two titles and make four finals. I have worked alongside some wonderful players and staff and will always remember my time fondly.”
Cricket Australia Executive General Manager, National Teams, Ben Oliver said Sawyer’s appointment came after his stellar work in previous stints with the national team.
“Ben re-joins the team after a break that saw him join Cricket NSW and we’re really pleased to have him back on board full-time,” Oliver said.
“We had some incredibly strong candidates apply for the role and it was a tough decision, but Ben thoroughly deserves the opportunity having already proven his worth in his previous stint with the side.
“He’s played a key role in developing what is a world-class bowling group and with over a decade of experience in the women’s game, Ben was a natural choice to join Matthew (Mott) and Shelley (Nitschke) at the helm.”
The news come ahead of a massive home summer for Australia, starting with a series against India that includes a historic day-night Test match, and culminating with the Ashes against old foe England. Australia will then cross the Tasman in March for the ICC Women’s World Cup in New Zealand before making its first ever appearance at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Tickets to the 2021-22 international summer are on sale to the general public from Monday, with more info available here.
2021-22 Women’s International Fixtures – Sydney
Commonwealth Bank Women’s ODI Series v India
September 19: North Sydney Oval (Day-night)
Commonwealth Bank Women’s T20I Series v India
October 7: North Sydney Oval (Night)
October 9: North Sydney Oval (Night)
October 11: North Sydney Oval (Night)
Commonwealth Bank Women’s Ashes – T20I
February 4: 1st T20I – North Sydney Oval (Night)
February 6: 2nd T20I – North Sydney Oval (Night)
