Daniel Vettori confirmed to replace Andrew McDonald as Birmingham Phoenix head coach

The former New Zealand spinner steps into the role for 2021

The Hundred squads 2021: Full men's and women's player lists

Birmingham Phoenix have installed Daniel Vettori as men's head coach for the upcoming inaugural season of The Hundred.

Andrew McDonald's commitments with Australia has led to the promotion of his assistant.

McDonald, who will act as a consultant this season, is expected to return as head coach in 2022.

The position is Vettori's latest high-profile coaching role, having had spells with Brisbane Heat, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Middlesex.

Worcestershire's Alex Gidman and James Franklin of Durham will act as his assistants.

"I feel really honoured to be asked to step up and take the reigns from Andrew this year," said the former New Zealand spinner. "We’ll continue to communicate regularly and Andrew’s advice will be vital to our success. 

"Our squad looks really strong and we want to build a winning team and hopefully bring The Hundred trophy to Birmingham."

Women's head coach Ben Sawyer will meanwhile be assisted by former England international Caroline Foster.

"I feel thrilled to be working with Birmingham Phoenix this summer," added Foster. "Ben is a fantastic coach who has experience around the world and I can’t wait to work with him and the players ahead of what is an incredibly exciting moment not just for Birmingham Phoenix but for women’s cricket as a whole.”

Dominic Ostler and Gareth Davies, the Warwickshire and Worcestershire coaches, are also part of the set-up at Edgbaston.