Stars appoint Fleming for BBL5

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has been announced as the new head coach of Melbourne Stars. Fleming, who has twice led Chennai Super Kings to the IPL title, will take charge for the 2015-16 season, replacing the out-of-contract Greg Shipperd.

Shipperd led Stars to four consecutive semi-final appearances but the team failed to go further on each occasion. This season they lost by 18 runs to Perth Scorchers.

"We are delighted to be able to secure a coach of Stephen's calibre, and genuinely believe that he has the right credentials to help guide the club over the next few years," Melbourne Stars chief executive Clint Cooper said.

"As a player and captain, Stephen was one of the most revered and respected players in world cricket and, since taking on the head coach role at CSK, he has enjoyed success by winning titles in the IPL and the coveted Champions League Tournament."

Shipperd is the latest Big Bash coach to lose his position after the 2014-15 season, following Simon Helmot of Melbourne Renegades and Stuart Law at Brisbane Heat. Darren Berry has also taken personal leave from his role with South Australia which includes Adelaide Strikers.

Fleming said: "I've been coaching in India for the past seven years in the IPL and have watched the Big Bash League grow from afar. It's a great opportunity to work with another T20 side - the Stars are an exciting club and I'm looking to develop my coaching through this opportunity as well.

"It will be a big change after Greg, who has been working with both the Stars and Victorian sides for four years; it's going to be a different perspective coming from outside of that. Hopefully it's an opportunity for me to bring in some fresh ideas from the IPL and my time as a New Zealand cricketer.

"I think it's widely known the Melbourne Stars has a lot of potential to win. With the playing squad and talent at the Club, they should always be a competitive side. It's a great time to get the team - they're not too far away from achieving their goals and yet it's going to be a great challenge to get them over that final hurdle."