Trevor Bayliss named London Spirit's interim head coach following Shane Warne's demise

Trevor Bayliss has been named the interim head coach of the London Spirit men’s team following the death of Shane Warne. The legendary leg-spinner mentored the franchise in the inaugural season of The Hundred last year. He was set to don the coach’s hat for the 2022 season as well but a suspected heart attack meant Warne breathed his last in Thailand last month.

His demise has certainly left a great void in the cricket world as he was an active coach and commentator even after retirement. As the Australian great is no more, London Spirit has roped in Bayliss, who was Team England’s mentor during their triumph in the 2019 World Cup. Bayliss will now reunite with England captain Eoin Morgan and the franchise would hope their combination would do wonders once again.

It is an honour to try and build on the work Shane Warne started: Trevor Bayliss

While Bayliss acknowledged his appointment has been a result of unfortunate circumstances, the Australian is determined to take the side to glory. “It is obviously very bittersweet to take the role given the circumstances,” said Bayliss  in a statement.

“It is an honour to try and build on the work Warnie started. The side knew what he and Eoin were trying to build and I hope we can do that this year,” added the experienced coach, who will take charge for one year initially,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bayliss comes in with a plethora of experience as many teams have thrived under his mentorship. He was in charge of the Sri Lankan team from 2007 to 2011. As far as franchise cricket is concerned, he coached Sydney Sixers to the inaugural 2011/12 title in the Big Bash League. Under him, Kolkata Knight Riders also won a couple of Indian Premier League (IPL) titles.

Hence, the Spirit would have high hopes from the Australian, who has a one-season contract initially. Meanwhile, the London-based team endured a hard time in the inaugural season as they finished last in the team standings. Nonetheless, they must back themselves to go all the way this time around with the likes of Glenn Maxwell, Zak Crawley, Dan Lawrence and Mark Wood in the ranks besides Morgan.