“The Stars are an exciting club and I’m looking to develop my coaching through this opportunity as well”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has been appointed as the head coach of the Melbourne Stars.

Fleming, who also coaches the Chennai Super Kings, will take over from Greg Shipperd in the 2015-16 edition of the Big Bash League (BBL).

“I’ve been coaching in India for the past seven years in the IPL and have watched the Big Bash League grow from afar,” Fleming said. “It’s a great opportunity to work with another T20 side – the Stars are an exciting club and I’m looking to develop my coaching through this opportunity as well.

“It will be a big change after Greg, who has been working with both the Stars and Victorian sides for four years; it’s going to be a different perspective coming from outside of that. Hopefully it’s an opportunity for me to bring in some fresh ideas from the IPL and my time as a New Zealand cricketer.

“I think it’s widely known the Melbourne Stars has a lot of potential to win. With the playing squad and talent at the Club, they should always be a competitive side. It’s a great time to get the team – they’re not too far away from achieving their goals and yet it’s going to be a great challenge to get them over that final hurdle.”

Melbourne Stars chief executive Clint Cooper added: “We are delighted to be able to secure a coach of Stephen’s calibre, and genuinely believe that he has the right credentials to help guide the club over the next few years.

“As a player and captain, Stephen was one of the most revered and respected players in world cricket and, since taking on the head coach role at CSK, he has enjoyed success by winning titles in the IPL and the coveted Champions League Tournament.”