Michael Hussey is to take the reins as the new head coach of Welsh Fire men's team in the third edition of The Hundred, English cricket's flagship limited-overs event.
For the Australian batter known throughout the game as 'Mr Cricket', this is just the latest role in a busy post-playing coaching career that most recently saw him as a batting consultant to the England's men team which won the T20 World Cup last November.
"I'm really looking forward to getting started at Welsh Fire and being part of The Hundred," said the 47-year-old West Australian, who's been appointed following the departure of Gary Kirsten in December.
"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."
But it promises to be one of the tougher challenges for the man who played 302 internationals for Australia over all three formats as the Cardiff-based Fire have struggled over the first two years of the 100-ball-a-side competition and finished last in 2022.
At least that means his side will get first pick in this year's competition draft which is scheduled to be broadcast for the first time on March 2.
Mark Wallace, Cricket Manager of Welsh Fire, said: "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."
