Richard Pyrah named Melbourne Stars WBBL coach

Melbourne Stars have appointed former Yorkshire allrounder Richard Pyrah as their new coach for the upcoming WBBL season, with last year's coach Andy Christie moving back into an assistant role.

In the previous season's WBBL, Christie led the Stars to the Knockout, where they were defeated by the Perth Scorchers. But it was announced back in July that he would move back to an assistant role in order to focus more on his head coach role with Victoria in the WNCL.

Pyrah, 43, is currently in his third season as Yorkshire women's coach and was an assistant with Sunrisers Leeds in the women's Hundred this season, working with Stars WBBL captain Annabel Sutherland, who was Player of the Season as Sunrisers made the final before being beaten by Trent Rockets.

Pyrah has worked in the BBL previously as a consultant with Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers between 2015 and 2017.

According to Stars general manager James Rosengarten, "he is an experienced coach across both women's and men's programs and will bring a diverse skill set to the team." "This move is all about strengthening our club.

"Andy did a sensational job last season guiding our team to the WBBL finals, and having him remain a part of the program was important to us.

"He already coaches a number of our players across the Victorian women's team, so to have that continuity leading into the WBBL season will be an asset for us."

The move follows Melbourne Renegades appointing Gavan Twining, assistant coach of the Australia women's team, as their WBBL head coach for the upcoming season after title-winning coach Simon Helmot departed to coach Gulf Giants in the ILT20.