Sydney Sixers appoint new head coach three months before start of WBBL 12

Sydney Sixers have appointed New South Wales women's coach Peter Clarke as their new head coach ahead of the 12th season of the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL). Clarke replaces Matthew Mott, who left the women's side to join the men's team as head coach.

Clarke, who has been appointed for a two-year term, has worked as the psychologist of the Australia women's team for eight years. He guided New South Wales to the final of the WNCL last season, his first with the team. New South Wales lost just a solitary game before losing to Queensland by seven runs in a rain-affected final. Clarke was the assistant coach to Mott in the previous WBBL season.

"With the potential for the BBL and WBBL windows to shift each season, we have appointed separate head coaches for each team to ensure continuity and long-term stability across both programs," Sydney Sixers general manager Rachael Haynes said Wednesday.

"While we considered Matthew's ability to lead both programs, we've taken a long-term view to ensure consistent and stable leadership across both teams."

Clarke expressed his excitement about the new role: "The Sixers are a storied franchise in the WBBL, and a club with a legacy of phenomenal players and team success," Clarke said in a statement.

"Most importantly, the people at the Sixers are high character and interested in being the best we can be – players and staff alike.

"That's what excites me the most, being a part of a group of people who are continuously striving to be great.

"I've been fortunate enough to build relationships with players and staff at the Sixers from other roles I've served within Australian cricket, as well as serving as an assistant coach with the club last season, and I'm looking forward to continuing to build on those connections as we strive for the ultimate success as a team.

"I'm excited by the journey ahead of us and the opportunity to be a part of creating an environment that allows us to reach our full potential."

Sydney Sixers are two-time WBBL winners, having won the title in the 2016/17 and 2017/18 seasons.