Former Australian cricketer James Hopes has been appointed as head coach of the Brisbane Heat and Queensland Bulls for the next three years. Hopes, who has signed a three-year deal with the Brisbane Heat, stepped down as Sydney Sixers' head coach after being handed the responsibilities just over a month back. Currently Hopes is occupied with coaching duties with Washington Freedom at the Major League Cricket. 

“I wrestled with this decision as I was, and still am, very appreciative of being offered the Sixers role earlier this year. However, to have the opportunity to take on the head coaching program with Queensland and live in Brisbane again was too good to miss," Hopes said in a Brisbane Heat statement. 

“I have been in and out of Queensland Cricket since I was 14 and along the way was privileged to play for the Bulls and the Heat. So, to be a part of that again is something very special to me and my family. I’m very eager to join with the Queensland and Brisbane coaching staff and players when I am back and get to work preparing for the season,’’ Hopes said.

During his international career, Hopes had a tremendously successful career, playing 84 ODIs and 12 T20Is and scoring 1326 and 105 runs, respectively. Hopes also captained Queensland to a Sheffield Shield title win in 2012. Furthermore, he has also worked in the IPL and currently serves as the bowling coach of Punjab Kings. Meanwhile, Queensland Cricket CEO Terry Svenson welcomed Hopes, lauding his leadership skills. 

“James is the right person to guide and develop our players, especially the exciting young talent that Queensland Cricket is producing. He has proven leadership skills, has demonstrated his ability to build relationships and trust which benefits team performance, and brings extensive and up to date cricket knowledge and insights to his coaching," Terry Svenson said.

“We believe our male program is building towards something special and are confident James will help to create an environment that will generate success. He will bring clarity, professionalism and maturity to our high-performance environment, and we are excited at what lies ahead for the Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat,’’ Svenson said.