Russell Domingo will steer Hampshire for the next two summers after accepting a two-year deal to become men’s head coach. Shane Burger, fresh from a spell with Somerset and previously Scotland, arrives as assistant coach in charge of the bowlers, while former captain Jimmy Adams remains batting assistant.
The club moved quickly once Adrian Birrell confirmed he would step away at the end of 2025, ending a seven-season stint that brought regular white-ball finals but, frustratingly, no trophies last term.
Domingo, 51, carries heavyweight experience. He guided South Africa between 2012 and 2017 and then oversaw Bangladesh for three years. He currently coaches Johannesburg’s Lions and intends to split his time, juggling that role with his new responsibilities at the Utilita Bowl.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Hampshire Cricket,” Domingo said. “This is a club with incredible history, outstanding facilities at Utilita Bowl, and a clear vision for success both on and off the field.
“I’ve been genuinely impressed by the ambition here and the strong cultural values that underpin everything Hampshire does. The combination of developing young talent whilst competing for trophies is exactly the challenge I’m looking for, and I can’t wait to get started.
“I’m looking forward to working alongside Jimmy and Shane and getting to know the players as we prepare for what promises to be an exciting season ahead.”
Burger echoes that enthusiasm. “I’m really excited to be joining Hampshire Cricket. The quality of young bowlers coming through here is exceptional, Sonny Baker, Eddie Jack and Scott Currie have already earned England recognition, and I’m looking forward to helping them continue that development.
“I love the ambition and vision of the club and the future seems bright. I’m excited to be part of that journey alongside Russell and Jimmy and I can’t wait to get started.”
Hampshire’s 2025 campaign ended on a stuttering note: runners-up in both the Vitality Blast and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup, then an escape from Championship relegation courtesy of Durham’s collapse on the last afternoon. A late-season pitch-quality penalty had nudged them towards the trap-door, amplifying the need for fresh impetus.
Director of cricket Giles White believes the new trio brings the right blend. “We’re delighted to announce our coaching team for next summer. Russell Domingo will serve as head coach, with Jimmy Adams and Shane Burger joining him as assistant coaches. Together, they form a strong and experienced unit that will continue to champion the cultural framework that has underpinned Hampshire cricket over the years.
“We exist to win and to develop, and I’m confident this team will continue to drive that ethos as we move into an exciting future. It’s a fantastic place to be at this moment in time, and the season ahead promises great opportunities.”
Analysis
Keeping one eye on budgets and another on trophies is standard county juggling, yet Hampshire have often struck the balance better than most. Domingo’s track record suggests he thrives in environments that expect silverware but refuse to compromise on youth pathways – his Bangladesh side blooded several future regulars, while the Lions’ academy has produced depth across formats.
His decision to maintain the Lions position could raise logistical questions: the South African domestic season overlaps with the English spring, and domestic T20 tournaments are squeezed into the winter. The club insists advance planning and experienced deputies will bridge any gaps.
Burger, meanwhile, carved a reputation in Scotland for coaxing extra pace from raw seamers. If he turns the promising trio of Baker, Jack and Currie into consistent Championship performers, Hampshire’s attack could look markedly different by July.
One area the new coaches must tackle immediately is finishing finals. Since 2021 Hampshire have reached five white-ball showpieces and lifted just one trophy. Sharpening death-overs bowling and middle-order composure, especially in the Blast, remains high on the to-do list.
Overall the appointments appear logical rather than headline-grabbing – steady hands rather than radical thinkers. Perhaps that is exactly what Hampshire need after a season long on potential but short on silverware.
