Thunder sign champion English coach

The Women's Big Bash League will have its first overseas coach from the international Twenty20 circuit, with Englishman Trevor Griffin to take charge of the Sydney Thunder.

Griffin, who also coaches in the English women's T20 competition and New Zealand, was appointed as Joanne Broadbent's replacement on Wednesday.

He becomes the first fly-in T20 specialist coach from abroad to join the league after Broadbent's resignation earlier this year.

He is also the second English mentor in the competition behind Hobart boss Salliann Briggs, who is based in Tasmania all year as head of their women's T20 and 50-over cricket.

"It's a global game now. We're seeing more female Twenty20 competitions," Griffin told AAP.

"There's a real passion for franchise teams to ensure they have their best people in the right place to help them

"Modern day now the ability to travel and being able to work from overseas with Skype makes it a lot easier to start some of the work prior to landing."

It comes as a number of Australians are set to be involved in England's domestic set up next year, including Matt Mott and Lisa Keightley.

Griffin's resume was impressive after the Thunder cast their net wide.

He won his second English Super League with the Western Storm last weekend.

He was an assistant at the Thunder last season, and has previously been involved with England's women's national team.

The Thunder are in a period of change after a last-ball semi-final loss last year, with a number of young faces in their squad.

16-year-old allrounder Kate Peterson was announced as the Thunders’ latest signing on Tuesday, joining fellow teenager Tahlia Wilson in making the step up from NSW Premier Cricket.

Alex Blackwell will play on but has handed the captaincy to Rachael Haynes, while Australian representatives Nicola Carey and Belinda Vakarewa have moved to Hobart.

Rachael Haynes is currently the only marquee player signed on with the Thunder for WBBL|05. With all other Australia contracted players already locked in contract at other clubs, the Thunder will be relying on signing some overseas talent to fill their remaining roster slots.

However, Griffin is confident his success in England can be translated to Australia ahead of their season-opener with the Sydney Sixers on October 18.

"The challenges (coaching in the two countries) are very similar," Griffin said.

"The biggest challenge is just the different surfaces. The pitches (in England) are a bit slower and lower, whereas in Australia they are quicker and bouncer.

"Over here it's about dealing with pace off, in Australia you're dealing with bowlers being able to send down bumpers."

Sydney Thunder WBBL Squad: Rachael Haynes (C), Sam Bates, Alex Blackwell, Lisa Griffith, Saskia Horley, Kate Peterson, Naomi Stalenberg, Tahlia Wilson