Shane Bond sacked after forgettable maiden men's Hundred season with Birmingham Phoenix

Birmingham Phoenix have sacked men's head coach Shane Bond following a disappointing campaign in The Hundred. Bond was appointed head coach last November on a contract that was due to run until the end of the 2027 season. However, Phoenix felt a change was necessary after finishing at the bottom of the points table.

Phoenix began their campaign with a 10-run victory over Trent Rockets on July 24, but little did they know that it would be their only win of the season. They went on to lose their next seven matches and finished with just four points from eight games, along with a net run rate (NRR) of -1.318. 

The absence of their skipper Jacob Bethell and death bowler Mustafizur Rahman with injuries also played a significant role in such a miserable performance. Bethell hurt his knee during England's 2-1 ODI series win and was subsequently ruled out of the Hundred.

Phoenix recently conducted an end-of-season review under the leadership of Warwickshire director of cricket James Thomas and subsequently decided to part ways with Bond.

"We reviewed all aspects of this season's campaign and, after evaluating the findings with our board and cricket committee, made the difficult decision to relieve Shane [Bond] of his duties. We thank Shane for his efforts with the Phoenix and wish him all the best in his future endeavours," Thomas said in a statement.

Phoenix now face an important task in identifying Bond's successor. The men's Hundred player retention window opens next Friday, leaving the franchise with limited time to put its plans in place. Phoenix's women's team also endured a difficult campaign, finishing at the bottom of the standings.

Birmingham Phoenix are jointly owned by Warwickshire and US investment fund Knighthead Capital. England and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham is also a minority investor in the franchise.