Melbourne Stars have appointed former Yorkshire allrounder Richard Pyrah as their new coach for the upcoming Women’s Big Bash League season. Pyrah will take charge of the Stars after Andy Christie moved back into an assistant coaching position.
Christie guided Melbourne Stars to the WBBL finals last season, where they reached the Knockout before losing to Perth Scorchers. His decision to return to an assistant role was announced in July as he looks to focus more on his position as head coach of Victoria’s women’s team in the Women’s National Cricket League.
Richard Pyrah Takes Charge of Melbourne Stars
Pyrah, 43, is currently in his third season as Yorkshire women’s coach and brings experience from both domestic men’s and Women’s Cricket to the Melbourne Stars setup.
He also worked as an assistant with Sunrisers Leeds during this season’s Women’s Hundred. During that stint, Pyrah worked with Melbourne Stars captain Annabel Sutherland, who was named Player of the Season after helping Sunrisers Leeds reach the final.
Sunrisers Leeds ultimately finished as runners-up after losing the final to Trent Rockets, but Sutherland’s individual performances highlighted the quality of the campaign.
Pyrah Brings Previous BBL Experience
The new Melbourne Stars coach has previously worked in Australia’s Big Bash League. Pyrah served as a consultant with Melbourne Renegades and Adelaide Strikers between 2015 and 2017.
His experience across different cricket environments was one of the factors behind his appointment as the Stars look to build on their run to the WBBL finals last season.
Melbourne Stars Praise Andy Christie
Melbourne Stars general manager James Rosengarten praised Christie for his work during the previous WBBL campaign and explained why keeping him involved with the program was important.
Christie already works with several Stars players through his role with the Victorian women’s team, meaning his move into an assistant position will provide continuity within the squad.
The Stars believe the combination of Pyrah’s coaching experience and Christie’s existing knowledge of the players can strengthen the team ahead of the new WBBL season.
Andy Christie Moves Back Into Assistant Role
Christie’s return to an assistant position allows him to dedicate more attention to his head coaching responsibilities with Victoria in the WNCL while continuing to contribute to the Melbourne Stars program.
His work last season helped the Stars reach the WBBL Knockout, and the club has opted to retain his experience within the coaching group rather than lose him entirely.
Melbourne Renegades Also Make Coaching Change
The Stars’ coaching change comes shortly after Melbourne Renegades announced Gavan Twining as their new WBBL head coach for the upcoming season.
Twining previously served as an assistant coach with the Australia women’s team. He replaces Simon Helmot, who left after his title-winning spell to take up a coaching role with Gulf Giants in the ILT20.
What Richard Pyrah Brings to the Stars
Pyrah’s experience across women’s cricket, men’s cricket and the Big Bash League gives Melbourne Stars a coach with a broad understanding of the game.
His existing connection with players such as Annabel Sutherland could also help him settle quickly into the role as the Stars prepare for another WBBL campaign.
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