Andrew McDonald's appointment as Justin Langer's successor at Australia had led to the Kiwi, who led the Edgbaston-based franchise to the final 2021, getting the job on a long-term basis
Birmingham Phoenix have announced Daniel Vettori as their permanent men's head coach.
Andrew McDonald's appointment to lead Australia men has led to the Kiwi being installed on a long-term basis.
Vettori led the Edgbaston-based franchise to last year's inaugural final at Lord's after stepping in for McDonald, then part of Justin Langer's backroom team.
On top of a playing career lasting 18 years including 441 outings for New Zealand across the formats, Vettori has built a formidable coaching CV.
He has had spells with Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League, Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash, Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL and Middlesex in the Vitality Blast.
"I absolutely loved my time working with the Birmingham Phoenix squad as head coach last summer, so taking on the role on a permanent basis was a very easy decision," said the 43-year-old.
"We made great strides in the first season and all coaches and players loved seeing the tournament develop, and we had such great support every time that we took to the field at Edgbaston.
Birmingham Phoenix reached last year's final, losing to Southern Brave (Stu Forster/Getty Images)
"However, we want to go one better. It’s a tough competition, but we’ve retained well and recruited some excellent players through the draft. We look an even stronger outfit than in 2021 and hopefully, we can continue to entertain the Birmingham Phoenix fans who get behind us."
The recently-concluded draft for the Hundred saw Phoenix sign-up Australia T20 World Cup winner Matthew Wade, Warwickshire and England quick Olly Stone, Kane Richardson and Matthew Fisher, among others.
They join a squad captained by Moeen Ali and including Liam Livingstone, Adam Milne and Chris Woakes.
Phoenix general manager Craig Flindall said: "We were very much aware that Andrew would be an outstanding candidate for the Australia role and we are grateful to Dan for supporting our plans to make an immediate appointment.
"Whilst we’re sorry that Andrew won’t coach during The Hundred, he has played an integral role in developing the make-up of our squad over the last two years and in shaping our style of play.
"He has also been a pleasure to work with and everyone within the Birmingham Phoenix family wishes him the very best in his new role."
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