STEPHEN Fleming has been appointed as the new men’s head of coach of Southern Brave in The Hundred, following the departure of Mahela Jayawardene.

Jayawardene led the side to the inaugural men’s title in 2021 but oversaw a sharp drop in fortunes last summer, when they finished seventh in the table.

The Sri Lankan has taken on an expanded role with Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, as well as their affiliated global franchises, and decided to step away from his work in England.

In Fleming, the Ageas Bowl-based side have secured a highly-rated leader who was renowned as one of the sharpest tacticians in the game during his time as New Zealand captain.

He has extensive experience in T20 cricket, with a CV boasting stints at Chennai Super Kings, Melbourne Stars, Rising Pune Supergiant and Joburg Super Kings. He has won the IPL on three occasions.

“It is a real privilege to have been offered the role of Southern Brave head coach,” he said.

“I look forward to working with the team to continue building on the initial success that the side has had. The competition has looked fantastic from afar and I can’t wait to be a part of it next season.”

The outgoing Jayawardene added: “I really enjoyed my two years in the Hundred with Southern Brave, working with a really supportive management team and an exciting group of players.

“I wish my successor Stephen and the team all the best for the 2023 season.”

Director of the Southern Brave’s men’s side Giles White said: “Due to increased commitments with the MI franchise, Mahela has decided to step back from his role with the Southern Brave.

“Mahela led the team to success in the first edition of the Hundred and we would like to thank him for his hard work and commitment over the last two years.

“In his place we are delighted to welcome Stephen Fleming as the new coach for 2023 and look forward to seeing him build on the early success our talented squad.”

Fleming’s appointment means there is still just one English head coach in the men’s Hundred, with James Foster in charge of Northern Superchargers.