The Hundred: Daniel Vettori replaces Andrew McDonald as Birmingham Phoenix coach

Vettori (right) took 361 wickets in 112 Tests for New Zealand

Former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori has replaced Andrew McDonald as men's coach at Birmingham Phoenix for the inaugural season of The Hundred.

Australian McDonald has pulled out of this summer's tournament because of issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 40-year-old is assistant coach of Australia, whose upcoming tour of West Indies ends three days after The Hundred begins on 21 July.

He will still work for the Phoenix as a consultant and return as coach in 2022.

"It was a really hard decision not to travel over this summer and I'm extremely sad that I won't be there in person to coach the team," McDonald said.

"I'll be doing everything I can to give advice and support to Daniel and his team and I'm already looking forward to playing a role in person next season."

Vettori, who played 113 Tests and 295 one-day internationals for the Black Caps, was due to be McDonald's assistant.

Since retiring, he has coached teams in various Twenty20 leagues, including Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League, Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash and Middlesex in the T20 Blast.

"I feel really honoured to be asked to step up and take the reins from Andrew this year," Vettori said.

"We'll continue to communicate regularly and Andrew's advice will be vital to our success."