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Sixers lure Shipperd north for BBL|05

Sydney Sixers sign former Victoria and Melbourne Stars coach to replace Trevor Bayliss

Sydney Sixers have secured the services of one of the most decorated coaches in Australian domestic cricket, signing Greg Shipperd for the upcoming KFC T20 Big Bash League season.

Shipperd enjoyed great success with Victoria and Melbourne Stars over the past decade, but parted ways with the Bushrangers following their triumphant Sheffield Shield campaign last summer.

His time at the Stars came to an end in February when they opted against renewing his contract, signing former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming in his place.

Shipperd joins the Sixers in place of Trevor Bayliss, who left his post as coach of the Sixers and NSW Blues in May when he was named the new England coach.

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"It's an excellent team, it’s one of the high profile teams of the Big Bash which is the competition you want to be playing in or coaching," Shipperd said.

"There’s some great coaching opportunities with some of the really emerging young players that I’m very excited about and it’s got a nice balance of experience and youth that I really enjoy looking after in terms of coaching."

Shipperd has enjoyed unparalleled success in the Australian 20-over game, leading Victoria to four domestic titles in the first incarnation of the Big Bash and steering the Stars to the semi-finals in all four Big Bash League seasons so far. He was also named the inaugural coach of Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League. 

The former Western Australia and Tasmania batsman will lead a side that has enjoyed their own share of success in the BBL, with the Sixers reaching the semi-finals in three of the past four seasons and winning the inaugural title.

Sixers General Manager Dominic Remond says Shipperd's experience makes him the perfect man to build on the franchise's recent success. 

"We are very excited to have Greg join the Sixers,” Remond said.

"He is a highly experienced and arguably the most successful coach in Australian domestic T20 history and also has experience in the IPL.

"Most importantly, he understands that the Sixers have built a successful culture and there is no need to reinvent the wheel, rather fine tune it.

"Greg is recognised as a great people manager and will play an important role in developing our player and coaching talent."

The remainder of the Sixers coaching staff will be announced in the coming months.

Shipperd's appointment comes after former Ireland international Trent Johnston was announced as Bayliss's replacement as coach of the NSW Blues.

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