Lisa Keightley makes coaching return at Sydney Thunder

The ex-England coach succeeds Trevor Griffin, after his sacking at the end of WBBL|08. Formerly of Perth Scorchers, Keightley has agreed to a three-year deal with the two-time winners

Sydney Thunder have appointed Lisa Keightley as their new head coach on a three-year deal.

It will be the Australian's first role since she stepped down as England head coach last autumn after two-and-a-half years in the role.

Formerly of Perth Scorchers and Western Australia, Keightley succeeds Trevor Griffin who was dismissed after a bottom-placed finish in last season's Women's Big Bash League.

"I know Sydney Thunder has a good history, and it has won two titles," Keightley said. "There's also a good group of players who have enjoyed success.

"When I say it's a challenge, it's in the sense of the team having a couple of seasons where they'd want to be. 

^{Griffin was sacked at the end of a poor 2022 season (Graham Denholm/Getty Images)}

"I'll be making sure we're competitive and winning games of cricket. Thunder has a core of players who have played for a number of years and have enjoyed success. I'm hoping it won't take too much."

Griffin led Thunder to the second of their two WBBL titles in 2020/21 but they have won just five matches since.

Last term was the nadir, finishing bottom of the pile for the first time in eight editions for the WBBL with one victory from 14 matches.

Their only victory came courtesy of a 25-run success over Perth Scorchers

Keightley turned to coaching in 2005 after calling time on a playing career which included playing nine Tests, 82 ODIs and a single T20I for Australia.

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