Shane Bond leaves Sydney Thunder and pulls out of Southern Brave coaching role

The former New Zealand quick wants to spend more time with his family amid uncertainty over travel restrictions

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Sydney Thunder are looking for a new head coach after Shane Bond left the role ahead of the 11th edition of the Big Bash League later in the year.

The former New Zealand fast bowler has also withdrawn from his position as an assistant coach at The Hundred team Southern Brave, who are set to be led by Mahela Jayawardene.

Bond, who is currently with Mumbai Indians in the IPL, has led Thunder for the last three seasons, guiding them to the knock-out stage on two occasions.

But amid the uncertainty around travel restrictions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the 45-year-old wants to spend next summer at home with wife Tracey and his three children.

"I loved my time with the Thunder but with so much uncertainty around travel restrictions these days and not knowing what that might look like I just didn't want to miss another summer at home," said Bond, who played 18 Tests, 82 one-day internationals and 20 T20s for the Kiwis.

"I haven't had one there for six years and my wife Tracey has had to carry the load. I want to be there again before I get to the point where my girls get to the end of high school. My son has some important cricket coming up too and I want to be there for that.

"I'll miss the boys at the Thunder, all the people from players to management. It's a great club to be a part of. I'll miss everybody. That will be the hardest thing."

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