Sydney Thunder rope in Shane Bond for BBL 08

What's the story?

Former New Zealand pace spearhead Shane Bond has signed with the Sydney Thunder as head coach ahead of the next edition of the Big Bash League. Bond, who was previously with the Brisbane Heat, put pen to paper on a three-year deal following Paddy Upton's departure from the franchise.

In case you didn't know...

The 42-year-old served as the assistant coach for the Heat and has also had stints with the Mumbai Indians, England and his native New Zealand. However, the chance to don the head coach role was too much to pass on.

"I've been a Bowling and Assistant Coach for eight years, but you're always thinking about how you'd do things yourself if you were leading a side," Bond stated. "I love to coach, not just manage people and I enjoy making players better cricketers.

The heart of the matter

The Thunder, after successful campaigns under Upton - they won the fifth edition of the BBL - struggled in the last two seasons, leading to his sacking, and subsequent appointment of one of New Zealand's leading pace bowlers.

"The chance to lead a programme at a club which is full of great people on and off the field was very appealing. I want to win trophies and have a squad of players and coaches that other teams are envious of. There's some exciting young players in the Thunder squad as well as some experienced old bulls, if we can blend that together we'll have a successful team.

"I'm looking forward to getting to Western Sydney and meeting the players and everyone in the organisation," he added.

What's next?

Bond will take charge of the Thunder ahead of the 2018 edition of the BBL, and look to lead them to the playoffs, at the very least, after six seasons of mediocrity.

Author's take

A thunderous pacer who was troubled by the ghost of injuries throughout his playing career, Bond has a rich experience of coaching since having left the game. His previous coaching stints are enough to suggest that the former Kiwi cop (yes, he was in the police force!) will be a handy addition to the Thunder's management.