Matthew Mott has been announced as the new head coach for the Sydney Sixers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), stepping into the shoes of Charlotte Edwards. Meanwhile, he continues his role as assistant coach for the men’s team under Greg Shipperd in the Big Bash League (BBL). The move signifies Mott’s return to women’s cricket, over three years since he left his post as Australia women’s coach after a fruitful stint.
Edwards recently vacated her position with the Sixers to become head coach of the England women’s team. The Sixers publicized Mott’s two-year contract on Friday with general manager Rachael Haynes highlighting Mott’s ability to cultivate a “strong, winning culture” and his “world-class approach” to team management.
Currently, Mott, 51, is in India, acting as assistant coach for IPL team Delhi Capitals. Since his dismissal as England men’s white-ball head coach after the previous T20 World Cup, Mott has been increasingly active in the franchise cricket scene. He’s also set to coach the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket, a team partly owned by the GMR Group, co-owners of Delhi Capitals.
Under Mott’s leadership, Australia’s women achieved considerable success, capturing T20 World Cups in 2018 and 2020, and the 50-over World Cup in 2022. Though he led England’s men to the T20 World Cup final in 2022, unsatisfactory results in the following months saw him exit.
Mott shares a deep bond with Cricket New South Wales, having helmed their men’s team from 2007 to 2011. Reflecting on his new role, Mott remarked, “I’m absolutely delighted to be working with the Sixers women’s team. I’ve had a strong connection with the club over many years, so when the opportunity came up, it was one I was really keen to take on.”
The Sixers have not claimed a WBBL title since the 2017-18 season and ranked sixth last year. Mott expressed his enthusiasm about reuniting with familiar players and nurturing younger talent to clinch another title. “Having coached a number of players in the current squad, I’m looking forward to reconnecting with them—as well as working with some of the younger talent—as we push to secure another WBBL title,” he added.
Additionally, the Sixers will have the first choice in the coming WBBL draft. Mott commented, “The list is already stacked with talent, including players who’ve achieved success at various levels. We’re looking to build on that at the draft and put ourselves in a position to bring home a championship again this season.”
