Stephen Fleming replaces Mahela Jayawardene as Southern Brave head coach

Under Jayawardene, Southern Brave won the inaugural edition of The Hundred in 2021 before finishing in seventh place in 2022

Stephen Fleming has been appointed head coach of Southern Brave's men's team ahead of the 2023 edition of The Hundred.

The former New Zealand captain replaces Mahela Jayawardene, who steered Brave to the title in 2021. However, his side failed to defend their crown in 2022, finishing in seventh position.

He has stepped down from the role due to his increased commitments with the Mumbai Indians franchise after being appointed head of performance in September 2022.

Fleming became coach of Chennai Super Kings in 2009, winning the IPL on three occasions (2010, 2018 and 2021) and the short-lived Champions League T20 in 2010.

^{Mahela Jayawardene spent two seasons with Southern Brave [Alex Davidson/Getty Images]}

His other coaching roles include stints with Melbourne Stars and Rising Pune Supergiant while he is set to coach Joburg Super Kings in the SA20.

The 49-year-old was due to lead Trent Rockets in the inaugural edition of The Hundred but opted not to travel to the UK when it was rearranged for 2021 citing family commitments and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Commenting on joining Southern Brave, Fleming said: "It is a real privilege to have been offered the role of Southern Brave head coach.

"I look forward to working with the team to continue building on the initial success that the side has had. The competition has looked fantastic from afar and I can't wait to be a part of it next season."

^{Under Jayawardene, Southern Brave lifted the title in 2021 [Stu Forster/Getty Images]}

Jayawardene praised the set-up at Southern Brave, stating: "I really enjoyed my two years in The Hundred with Southern Brave, working with a really supportive management team and an exciting group of players.

"I would like to extend my thanks to all, including our passionate fans, for all the encouragement support that was given during my stint as head coach.

"I wish my successor Stephen and the team all the best for the 2023 season."

Director, Giles White, added: "Mahela led the team to success in the first edition of The Hundred and we would like to thank him for his hard work and commitment over the last two years.

"In his place we are delighted to welcome Stephen Fleming as the new coach for 2023 and look forward to seeing him build on the early success our talented squad."

Subscribe to The Cricketer for exclusive content every day: The inside track on England's Test tour with George Dobell in Pakistan, award-winning analysis, breaking news and interviews and the only place for in-depth county coverage all year round. Plus: An ad-free app experience at your fingertips. Subscribe to thecricketer.com today for just £1.