Trevor Griffin appointed head coach of Sydney Thunder

title-winning run with Western Storm, Griffin is set to replace Joanne Broadbent who stepped down from the role in April. He worked with Thunder as an assistant coach in the last season of the WBBL.

“I loved my time working with Sydney Thunder as an assistant coach last season and being part of the Thunder Nation, and I’m really looking forward to working with the players again this season,” Griffin said, shortly after the announcement on Wednesday (September 4).

“Last season I was primarily involved as a wicket-keeping coach however provided support across all disciplines, so I worked with a number of the bowlers and batters, including spending a bit of time with Rachael Haynes.”

Griffin has been in charge of Western Storm since the inception of the WCSL in England, leading them to two titles in 2017 and 2019, and also two finals day appearances in 2016 and 2018. Storm were by far the most successful club in the history of the league.

His stint with Storm saw Griffin work with international superstars like Smriti Mandhana, Stafanie Taylor and Heather Knight— all of whom have spoken very highly of his contributions.

Through his extensive coaching career, Griffin has also been involved with the England team.

The coach’s signing follows the announcement that Rachael Haynes will take over from Alex Blackwell as captain of the club.

“Rach has got a wealth of knowledge and experience and she’s going to be a great leader,” Griffin said. “Alex Blackwell has done a great job as captain and put us in a great position, and I’m excited to work with Rach to continue to build on that.”

“I think the success that I’ve had in the Kia Super League with the Western Storm has been primarily due to the environment that we’ve built which is very much like a family, just like Sydney Thunder, and I think that’s something that’s going to put me in a good position to support the team.”

Chris Botherway, Sydney Thunder acting general manager is looking forward to the arrival of Griffin.

“We were impressed with not only Trevor’s passion for women’s cricket but also in developing players not just as cricketers but people too,” said Botherway. “Having spent time at the club previously he is well aware of the impact this role has in inspiring the next generation of boys and girls to fall in love with cricket.”

Mark McInnes, who recently coached Lancashire Thunder in the WCSL, has been elevated to the position of assistant coach. He will take over from Dominic Thornely, who is working as head coach of the New South Wales Breakers team.