Damien Wright leaves West Indies role to return to Tasmania as bowling coach and Shawn Bradstreet joins Hurricanes
In a significant announcement for Australian domestic cricket, two highly respected figures have been confirmed in crucial coaching roles for Tasmania and the Hobart Hurricanes. Sheffield Shield-winning bowler Damien Wright is set to return to Tasmania as their new bowling coach, while Shawn Bradstreet has been appointed as the new bowling coach of the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League. These appointments fill the vacancies created when James Hopes transitioned to become the new head coach for the Sydney Sixers.
Damien Wright’s Return to Tasmanian Cricket
Damien Wright’s return to the Tasmanian Tigers marks a poignant homecoming for a player deeply ingrained in the state’s cricketing history. Wright will rejoin the setup in Hobart after concluding his tenure as bowling coach with the West Indies women’s team, a role that saw him involved in their campaign at the recent Women’s T20 World Cup. His connection to Tasmania runs deep, highlighted by his pivotal role in the state’s maiden Sheffield Shield title victory during the 2006-07 season. In that historic final, Wright delivered a standout performance, claiming eight wickets across the match and contributing a valuable 67 runs with the bat, showcasing his all-round capabilities.
His sentiment towards Cricket Tasmania is clear and resonates with many who have followed his career. Wright expressed his gratitude, stating, “Cricket Tasmania has always held a special place in my heart. The Tigers have played such an important role in my life, both professionally and personally, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return. I can’t wait to reconnect with the players and staff and continue to build something special for Tasmania.” This statement underscores his profound connection to the team and his eagerness to contribute once more to its success.
Beyond his playing days, Wright has a distinguished coaching record, including a previous stint as head coach of the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League. He led the Hurricanes for four seasons between 2013 and 2017, famously guiding them to their first-ever final appearance in the 2013-14 season. His return to the state system, specifically working with Tasmania’s Shield and One-Day Cup squad alongside head coach Jeff Vaughan, signals a strategic move to bolster the long-form and List A cricket programs.
A Legacy of Talent: The 2006-07 Sheffield Shield Team’s Coaching Impact
The 2006-07 Sheffield Shield-winning Tasmanian squad, to which Damien Wright was central, has proven to be an extraordinary incubator for coaching talent within Australian cricket. A remarkable nine members from that historic team have gone on to assume significant coaching roles within Australia’s domestic system, a testament to the quality and leadership present in that side. This illustrious group includes Adam Griffith, who now serves as the national men’s pace bowling coach and with whom Wright will now collaborate directly, bringing a familiar dynamic to the coaching staff. Other notable names include George Bailey, who chairs the national selection panel, men’s batting coach Michael Di Venuto, and women’s batting coach Dan Marsh. This rich lineage of talent transitioning into coaching roles speaks volumes about the cricketing intellect and leadership qualities fostered within that championship-winning squad, creating a strong foundation for future generations of Tasmanian cricketers.
Shawn Bradstreet Joins Hobart Hurricanes as Bowling Coach
Complementing Wright’s return, Shawn Bradstreet steps into the role of bowling coach for the Hobart Hurricanes, working directly under head coach Jeff Vaughan for the BBL side. Bradstreet brings a wealth of experience from various high-profile domestic roles. He previously held the same position at the Sydney Thunder under the esteemed Trevor Bayliss and also worked with New South Wales alongside Greg Shipperd. Both of these tenures concluded when Bayliss and Shipperd were replaced at the end of the last season, making Bradstreet a sought-after commodity in the coaching landscape.
His experience extends beyond traditional domestic competitions, having recently collaborated with Hurricanes head of strategy, Ricky Ponting, as bowling coach for Washington Freedom in Major League Cricket. This international exposure and work alongside cricketing legends further enhance his credentials and bring a fresh perspective to the Hurricanes’ bowling attack. Salliann Beams, Tasmania and Hurricanes General Manager of High Performance, expressed considerable enthusiasm regarding Bradstreet’s appointment. She highlighted his exceptional qualities, stating, “Bradstreet is highly regarded for his technical bowling expertise, tactical understanding of the game and his ability to build strong relationships with players and staff.” These attributes are precisely what the Hurricanes will be looking for to refine their bowling unit and achieve success in the competitive BBL environment.
Strengthening Tasmanian Cricket’s Future
These dual appointments represent a strategic strengthening of Cricket Tasmania’s coaching infrastructure across both its state and BBL programs. The return of Damien Wright brings a deep understanding of Tasmanian cricket culture and a proven track record of success, both as a player and coach. His focus on the Sheffield Shield and One-Day Cup squads underscores a commitment to developing the state’s talent pipeline. Simultaneously, Shawn Bradstreet’s arrival at the Hobart Hurricanes injects fresh expertise and diverse experience into the BBL team, promising to elevate their performance. The synergy between these experienced coaches, working under the overarching leadership of Jeff Vaughan and alongside other distinguished alumni like Ricky Ponting, positions Tasmanian cricket for a period of robust development and competitive ambition.
Aarav Malhotra is a cricket features writer from Pune specializing in player biographies, IPL season stories, and emerging cricket talents. His content focuses on storytelling-driven sports journalism optimized for modern cricket audiences and search platforms.
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