Cricket: Mott excited by Sixers challenge

Matthew Mott is back in coaching after taking a job as assistant with BBL franchise Sydney Sixers, having stepped down as England's white-ball coach midway through his four-year contract.

Mott has agreed a three-year contract with the 5.50 Sixers and is clearly excited about the challenge ahead, telling reporters: "The Sixers are an exciting team and proven performers over a long period of time and I can't wait to get involved."

The 50-year-old, who enjoyed a success-laden eight-year spell in charge of Australia's women's team before heading to England, started his coaching career with New South Wales, so has now completed the circle by heading back to Sydney.

England role ends in disappointment

Having made his reputation with the Australia women's team, Mott made a superb start to his time at the helm of the Three Lions 50-over and 20-over side, as they lifted the T20 World Cup in 2022.

However, that was most definitely as good as it got as England crashed out off the 2023 World Cup at the group stage, losing six of their nine games played as they finished down in seventh place on the ladder.

Heavy losses to New Zealand, South Africa and Sri Lanka were particularly damaging, while a 69-run defeat to Afghanistan was also a major setback.

The defence of the T20 World Cup earlier this year was a little more positive, however a 68-run crushing by India in the semi-finals ended England's hopes of retaining their crown, with Mott deciding it was time to move on shortly afterwards.

However, the Queenslander was not long out of a job before being called by the Sixers, who needed to fill the gap left by Cameron White taking up the head coach job at Melbourne Renegades.

Sixers look to spin for success

The Draft for the 2024/25 BBL season took place just under a week ago and the Sixers opted to put their faith in two spinners after being able to fend off interest from the Renegades in English batter James Vince and retain his services.

Yorkshire leg-spinner Jafer Chohan was snapped up, while West Indies left-armer Akeal Hosein was also recruited to complete a full complement of spin options alongside Australia off-spinner Todd Murphy.

Hosein has plenty of T20 experience, having played in 60 T20Is for the Windies, taking 52 wickets at an average of 28.53 and a decent economy rate of 7.31, but this will be his first experience of the Big Bash.

Chohan, meanwhile, was a big surprise as the final pick of the BBL Draft, with the 22-year-old leggie having not played any first-class or List A cricket to date.

He has featured in 23 matches in the T20 Blast across the last two seasons for Yorkshire, taking 22 wickets at an average of 23.18 and an economy rate of 7.86, with his best figures 5/14 against Durham in July this year.

Chohan is a wildcard selection by the Sixers, who will be aiming to continue their fine showings in the Big Bash in recent seasons, having reached four of the last five finals.

They were crowned champions in 2020 and 2021, but were beaten in the showpiece finale in both 2022 and 2024.

The Sixers are 5.50 to be crowned champions in 2025, with Perth Scorchers the 5.00 market leaders, while the defending champions Brisbane Heat are priced at 6.00.