Damien Wright not right for Hobart Hurricanes

HOBART’S underwhelming form in the past three editions of the Big Bash has claimed its first victim with coach Damien Wright sacked from his post.

Hobart Hurricane's coach Damien Wright will not have his contract renewed with the club. Pcitre: SAM ROSEWARNE

HOBART’S underwhelming form in the past three editions of the Big Bash has claimed its first victim with coach Damien Wright sacked from his post.

The Hurricanes have not featured in the finals since losing the decider in BBL|03 to the Perth Scorchers — Wright’s first season in charge — with inconsistency plaguing the franchise since it reached the last four of the Champions League in 2014.

It finished this summer’s campaign in seventh spot with a 3-5 record, only avoiding the wooden spoon on net run rate from the Sydney Thunder.

Despite Wright declaring early last week his desire to continue in the role, Cricket Tasmania announced yesterday his contract would not be renewed.

Wright will remain an assistant coach with the Tigers, with CT looking to implement a coaching structure in the Twenty20 arena separate from the Tasmanian set-up.

“Damien’s time as coach was highlighted by making the Big Bash Final in 2013 and a semi final berth in the Champion’s League in India in 2014, however the club’s on-field performance over the past couple of years has been below expectations,” CT chairman Andrew Gaggin said.

“The board has decided to move forward with a coaching structure that is separate from the Tasmanian Tigers in the future.

“Damien will continue as senior assistant coach of the Tasmanian Tigers and the board look forward to working with him in that role.”

The rumour mill has already been churning with potential replacement for Wright, with former Tasmanian teammate and Australian one day opener Michael Di Venuto and Adelaide Strikers coach Jason Gillespie two names that have been floated.

Australian great Ricky Ponting, who will join Gillespie under Justin Langer with the national T20 side for next month’s series against Sri Lanka, ruled out putting his name forward when asked on Thursday.

Di Venuto — regarded by Australian skipper Steve Smith as one the best batting coaches in the world — joined English county side Surrey last year but has spent the summer back in his home state.

Cricket Tasmania said it would continue to assess all aspects of the Hurricanes including the coaching structures, performance, list management and recruitment of overseas players.

Half of Hobart’s BBL06 squad is out of contract, while Shaun Tait is in discussions around his status after he struggled with an elbow injury this tournament.