The Hundred has its first men’s English head coach, with James Foster set to replace Darren Lehmann at Headingley-based Northern Superchargers.
When the ECB launched the Hundred – the start was delayed until 2021 due to the pandemic – one of the criticisms levelled at the competition was the lack of opportunities presented to English men’s head coaches (English candidates did take charge in the highly-successful women’s competition).
All eight men’s head coaches for the opening season were foreign, with the likes of Shane Warne, Mahela Jayawardene, Gary Kirsten and Lehmann filling the well-paid posts.
There was criticism of Lehmann’s appointment in particular, given he was banned for five ODIs in 2003 for using racially abusive language during a game against Sri Lanka, an act that appeared to sit in opposition to the Hundred’s family-friendly values. The revelations of racism at Yorkshire over the last two years only made that even more uncomfortable.
Lehmann resigned as head coach last month, citing “uncertainty around Covid-19, quarantining and restrictions”. The former Australia coach has scaled back his commitments in the last two years after suffering a heart attack.
Marcus North, the Durham Director of Cricket, is also in charge of cricket matters at Superchargers, and has brought in Foster as head coach.
Foster, the former Essex and England wicketkeeper-batter, is a highly-regarded coach globally. He was with England throughout their Ashes tour, and is head coach for Peshawar Zalmi at the Pakistan Super League.
Upon confirmation that he had been appointed, Foster said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Northern Superchargers and working with the team this season.
“I loved watching The Hundred last year and seeing so many kids and families enjoying it, and I am really looking forward to meet up with the group and getting started.
“It’s a huge privilege and I’m thrilled to be working with an exciting group of players and hopefully we can excite the supporters with the style of cricket we play.”
Andrew Gale, who was fired as Yorkshire coach for his involvement in the racism scandal last year, was an assistant coach with Superchargers, meaning they are looking to fill that post, too.
