Damien Wright leaves West Indies role to return to Tasmania as bowling coach
A homecoming for a Tasmanian legend
In a development that has stirred excitement among the Tasmanian cricket faithful, Damien Wright leaves West Indies role to return to Tasmania as bowling coach. Wright, who has spent time honing talent on the international stage with the West Indies women’s team during the T20 World Cup, is set to bring a wealth of experience back to his roots. This appointment comes at a crucial time as the state looks to solidify its coaching ranks following the departure of James Hopes, who recently moved on to take up the head coaching position at the Sydney Sixers.
The legacy of the 2006-07 champions
Damien Wright’s association with Tasmania is deeply rooted in history. He was a pivotal member of the squad that secured Tasmania’s first-ever Sheffield Shield title in the 2006-07 season. His performance in that historic match—taking eight wickets and contributing a crucial 67 runs—remains a highlight of his playing career. Interestingly, the talent from that specific side has permeated the entire Australian coaching structure. Nine members of that championship-winning team have transitioned into elite coaching or administrative roles, including national men’s pace bowling coach Adam Griffith, chair of selectors George Bailey, and batting coaches Michael Di Venuto and Dan Marsh.
Wright himself expressed his deep affection for the state: “Cricket Tasmania has always held a special place in my heart. The Tigers have played such an important role in my life, both professionally and personally, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return. I can’t wait to reconnect with the players and staff and continue to build something special for Tasmania.”
New roles and strategic shifts
While Wright will focus his expertise on Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup squads alongside head coach Jeff Vaughan, the Hobart Hurricanes have also made a significant appointment. Shawn Bradstreet will step in as the new bowling coach for the BBL side. Bradstreet brings extensive experience, having previously worked at Sydney Thunder and New South Wales, and most recently collaborating with Ricky Ponting at Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket.
Salliann Beams, the General Manager of High Performance for Tasmania and the Hurricanes, shared her enthusiasm regarding the transition. “Bradstreet is highly regarded for his technical bowling expertise, tactical understanding of the game and his ability to build strong relationships with players and staff,” she remarked. Her confidence in the new structure suggests that the organization is looking to leverage these appointments to foster a long-term competitive edge.
Reflecting on Wright’s coaching pedigree
It is worth noting that Wright is no stranger to the Hobart Hurricanes’ inner workings. Between 2013 and 2017, he served as the head coach for the BBL franchise, a tenure that included guiding the team to their first-ever final in the 2013-14 season. This history of leadership, combined with his recent international exposure, positions him perfectly to mentor the next generation of Tasmanian fast bowlers.
As the domestic season approaches, the focus remains on the seamless integration of these new coaching staff members. With both Wright and Bradstreet assuming their respective duties, the Tasmanian cricket setup appears well-equipped to face the challenges of the upcoming campaign, blending fresh tactical insights with a deep appreciation for the state’s rich cricketing heritage.
