SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 10: Gurinder Sandhu of the Thunder speaks with Mike Hussey poses during the Sydney Thunder Big Bash League training session at Spotless Stadium on January 10, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)

Australian great Mike Hussey has been confirmed as the new head coach of Cardiff-based club Welsh Fire in the Hundred competition in the UK. The appointment comes after the news in December that Gary Kirsten would not be returning to lead the side following two poor campaigns.

Having finished second last and then last in the first two seasons of the competition in 2021 and 2022 respectively, the need for change was evident. This was made even more abundantly clear given that they failed to win a single game in the 2022 season.

Hussey has quietly put together an impressive CV both in coaching and in commentary following his glittering career, and it's no surprise that he has adapted his formidable knowledge of the short format of the game.

Having played in the IPL for Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians, before returning as coach of the Super Kings, he was also part of the backroom staff in charge of batting for England during their victorious T20 World Cup win in Australia last year.

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It's hoped that Hussey's experience, knowledge and standing in the cricket community will help to spark the sputtering Fire following their dismal opening campaigns to the tournament.

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Hussey will be able to start ahead of Deadline Day when the futures of players retained from the 2021 squad need to be decided, and perhaps most fortunately he will oversee the men's draft, where the Fire have the number one pick.

"I'm really looking forward to getting started at Welsh Fire and being part of the Hundred," Hussey said. "From a distance it looks a fantastic competition to be involved in, one that's attracting big crowds and getting lots of kids interested in the game.
"For my part, hopefully I can get help get things moving in the right direction on the pitch in Cardiff and give all of those fans who've been coming to watch something to really get excited about."
For their part, the Fire are understandably excited to have someone like Hussey involved, with cricket manager Mike Walsh saying: "We're thrilled to be able to appoint someone of the calibre of Mike. There are few better people around the world with the relevant expertise and knowledge of white-ball cricket to help take us forward."
If England's T20 World Cup batting form is anything to go by, the Fire have perhaps made the decision that will see them roar to life ahead of season three of the Hundred.