Blaze Coaching Staff for Super Smash Announced

Jonny Bassett-Graham and Joe Austin-Smellie have been announced as the Wellington Blaze Coaches for the upcoming 2024/25 Super Smash campaign.

We are proud to appoint Jonny Bassett-Graham as the Head Coach for the Blaze’s Super Smash campaign, as he joins the organisation with a wealth of coaching experience, having recently relocated to Wellington after three successful seasons as Auckland Cricket's Head of Pathway & Talent.

In that role, he supported both male and female domestic teams, with a focus on batting and wicketkeeping coaching. Bassett-Graham also served as the Head Coach of the New Zealand U19 side at the 2023 ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup, and more recently, he was the Assistant Coach for the Aces in the Ford Trophy.

"I’m incredibly excited to work with such a talented squad," said Bassett-Graham.

"The Blaze track record speaks for itself, and the sustained success they’ve had over a long period of time is a testament to the players and the Cricket Wellington system.

It’s a real honour to have the opportunity as Head Coach to continue the successful brand of cricket the Blaze have become known for”, he said.

With longtime Blaze Coach Luke Woodcock away this January at the U19 Women’s World Cup, two coaching opportunities were vacant within the Blaze setup.

Joe Austin-Smellie has been appointed as the Assistant Coach for Super Smash 2024/25, having made his mark in the region coaching at Wellington College and Karori Cricket Club in recent times.

Austin-Smellie, a former Firebird, has been an up-and-coming coach in the domestic space over the last year, contracting to the Otago Volts as a Specialist Resource Coach over the 2023/24 season, and has recently been involved with the Wellington A’s Programme with both men’s and women’s teams.

“It’s a privilege to be appointed to work with the Blaze this summer”, said Austin-Smellie.

“Heading into the Super Smash campaign ahead it’s an exciting time to get involved with this system that has produced so many players for New Zealand over the years”, he said.

Cricket Wellington CEO Todd Bryant is excited to have two strong coaches at the helm for the T20 campaign.

"I’m pleased to have both Jonny and Joe leading the Blaze for the Super Smash campaign”, said Bryant.

“I have great confidence not only in these talented coaches but also in the playing group as we head into the T20 season”.

"With a team that has consistently excelled in this format, it's essential that we provide the right resources to sustain their success. I believe we've struck an excellent balance to achieve this."

The Blaze’s prep for the T20 campaign continues in the leadup to the season opener in Hamilton on January 1st against the Northern Brave.

‍