Tom Moody Biography, Age, Height, Career, Australia Cricket, IPL Coach, Sri Lanka, World Cup, Net Worth & Facts
Tom Moody is one of cricket’s most enduring figures—a towering Australian all-rounder who won two World Cups as a player, nearly won a third as Sri Lanka’s coach, and has since become one of the most sought-after minds in franchise cricket across five continents. At 60 years old and standing nearly 6-foot-7, “Long Tom” has spent the last quarter-century transitioning from a dominant first-class batsman to a globetrotting coach, director, and strategist. Now serving as the Global Director of Cricket for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL and continuing his long-standing role with Sri Lanka Cricket, Moody remains as deeply embedded in the sport as he was when he made his Australian debut in 1987.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas Masson Moody |
| Nick Names | Long Tom, Big Tom, Moonshine, Moods |
| Profession | Former Cricketer, Coach, Director of Cricket, Commentator |
| Birth Date | October 2, 1965 |
| Age | 60 years 8 months old |
| Birth Place | Adelaide, South Australia, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Known For | 2× World Cup winner (1987, 1999), Sri Lanka coach (2007 WC final), Sunrisers Hyderabad IPL title (2016), Global Director of Cricket LSG |
| Ethnicity | White (Australian) |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Height | 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Gray (formerly brown) |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Qualification | Guildford Grammar School, Perth |
| Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Not publicly disclosed |
| Relationships | Not publicly disclosed |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Family | Father: Headmaster at Guildford Grammar School; Brother: R Moody; Nephew: David Moody (DJM Moody) |
| Hobbies | Athletics (high jump), Australian rules football, cricket commentary |
| Current Work | Global Director of Cricket, Lucknow Super Giants (IPL); Director of Cricket, Sri Lanka Cricket; Director of Cricket, Desert Vipers (ILT20) |
| Years Active | 1985–present (41 years) |
| Net Worth (2026 est.) | Not publicly disclosed |
| Residence | Perth, Western Australia (primary); travels extensively for coaching roles |
Early Life & Education
Thomas Masson Moody was born on October 2, 1965, in Adelaide, South Australia. His father was the headmaster at Guildford Grammar School in Perth, where Moody was educated. At Guildford, he excelled in multiple sports—particularly athletics (the high jump) and Australian rules football—but cricket was where he truly shone. He was selected to train with the school’s First XI at just 13 years old and was playing with them by age 14, a testament to his prodigious talent.
After leaving school, he moved immediately into Western Australian First Grade cricket with the Midland Guildford team, setting the stage for a professional career that would span three decades.
Playing Career
Domestic Dominance: Western Australia and England (1985–2001)
Moody began his first-class career in the 1985/86 season with Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield. His nickname “Long Tom” was a direct reference to his imposing 1.98-meter (6’6″) frame. An aggressive, fast-scoring batsman and useful medium-pace bowler, he became one of the most prolific run-scorers in Australian domestic cricket.
He also played extensively in England, representing Warwickshire (1990) and Worcestershire (1991–1999). At Worcestershire, he was appointed captain from 1995 to 1999 and led the side to victories in the 1991 Benson & Hedges Cup and the 1994 NatWest Trophy. His 1,387 List A runs for Worcestershire in 1991 remains a county record. He was named Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2000.
His first-class numbers are staggering:
- 300 matches, 21,001 runs at 46.25, 64 centuries
- 361 wickets at 30.70
- 5 Sheffield Shield titles, 4 domestic one-day championships
In 1990, he scored a 36-ball century for Warwickshire against Glamorgan—one of the fastest hundreds in county cricket history. In 1994, he and Tim Curtis set the record for the highest third-wicket partnership in List A cricket history (309*).
International Career: Australia (1987–1999)
Moody made his ODI debut on October 9, 1987, against India during the 1987 Cricket World Cup in Chennai. He was a key member of the Australian squad that won the tournament—their first-ever World Cup title.
His Test debut came on November 24, 1989, against New Zealand at Perth, where he scored 61. In his very next Test, against Sri Lanka in Brisbane, he scored 106—his first Test century. He added a second Test hundred (101) against India at the WACA in 1992. Despite this promising start, his Test career was limited to just 8 matches due to a persistent back injury and the team’s preference for other batting options.
In ODIs, Moody was far more successful. He played 76 matches, scoring 1,211 runs at 23.28 and taking 52 wickets. He appeared in three World Cups (1987, 1992, 1999) and was part of two winning squads (1987 and 1999), making him and Steve Waugh the first two Australians to win two World Cups. At the 1999 World Cup, he registered a 28-ball fifty against Bangladesh—then the fastest fifty in World Cup history.
He also represented Australia at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur, winning a silver medal.
Retirement
A persistent back injury forced Moody to retire from all forms of cricket in 2000–01. He was replaced by Simon Katich as captain of Western Australia. He finished with over 20,000 first-class runs and more than 300 first-class wickets—a rare double that underscores his all-round value.
Coaching and Administrative Career
Worcestershire and Early Roles (2001–2005)
After retiring, Moody took a full-time role with Multiplex Constructions (a company he had worked with part-time during his playing days) before becoming Director of Cricket at Worcestershire in 2001. He spent five years rebuilding the county, transforming them from sixth place in the second division to a competitive force.
Sri Lanka National Coach (2005–2007)
In May 2005, Moody was appointed head coach of the Sri Lankan national team. He had previously been in contention for the India coaching job but lost out to Greg Chappell. Under Moody, Sri Lanka underwent a remarkable transformation. He instilled professionalism, improved their Test record away from home, and led them to the final of the 2007 Cricket World Cup—where they lost to Australia. He resigned shortly after the tournament.
Western Australia and Kings XI Punjab (2007–2010)
In May 2007, Moody returned to Australia as manager and head coach of Western Australia for a three-year term. He also coached Kings XI Punjab in the first three seasons of the Indian Premier League (IPL) (2008–2010). He declined to renew his contract with Western Australia after the 2009–10 season, choosing to pursue media and consultancy roles.
Sunrisers Hyderabad and IPL Dominance (2013–2022)
In December 2012, Moody was appointed head coach of the newly formed Sunrisers Hyderabad franchise. Over seven seasons (2013–2019), he guided SRH to the playoffs five times and delivered their first and only IPL title in 2016. He was replaced by Trevor Bayliss for the 2020 season but returned as Director of Cricket in December 2020. He finally departed SRH in August 2022.
Global Franchise Roles (2017–Present)
Moody’s coaching portfolio expanded across multiple T20 leagues:
- Rangpur Riders (Bangladesh Premier League): 2017–2026
- Multan Sultans (Pakistan Super League): 2018–2019
- Oval Invincibles (The Hundred, England): 2021–2025
- Desert Vipers (ILT20, UAE): 2023–present
- Montreal Tigers (Global T20 Canada): 2019
- Caribbean Premier League (CPL): International Director of Cricket
- Melbourne Renegades (BBL): Director of Cricket (2014)
Sri Lanka Director of Cricket (2021–Present)
In February 2021, Moody was appointed the first-ever Director of Cricket for Sri Lanka Cricket—a newly created role under the influence of the Technical Advisory Committee led by Aravinda de Silva. His three-year contract included oversight of future tour programs, domestic structure, performance-based contracts, player welfare, and development. In May 2021, he also served as consultant coach for Sri Lanka’s white-ball series against England.
Lucknow Super Giants (2025–Present)
In November 2025, Moody was appointed Global Director of Cricket for the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. In this role, he oversees cricket strategy, player auctions, retention, and global talent scouting across RPSG Group’s franchises, including Durban’s Super Giants (SA20) and Manchester Originals (The Hundred). He works alongside his former Australia teammate Justin Langer (LSG head coach) and New Zealand legend Kane Williamson (strategic advisor).
Commentary and Media
Moody has been a regular cricket commentator for Channel Nine (Australia), Channel Ten (Big Bash League), and ESPN (2011 World Cup final). He is widely respected for his analytical insights and has covered major tournaments around the world.
Personal Life
Moody keeps his personal life private. No public information is available about his marital status, children, or romantic relationships. His nephew, David Moody, is also a cricketer. He remains based primarily in Perth, Western Australia, though his extensive coaching commitments require constant international travel.
Controversies
Moody has largely avoided major controversies throughout his career. He was in contention for several high-profile coaching jobs—including the Australian national team post in 2007—that he ultimately did not pursue, citing timing and personal readiness. His departure from Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022 was part of a routine franchise transition rather than a scandal.
Awards & Achievements
- 2× ICC Cricket World Cup Winner — 1987 (India/Pakistan), 1999 (England) — as player
- ICC Cricket World Cup Runner-up — 2007 (West Indies) — as Sri Lanka coach
- Commonwealth Games Silver Medal — 1998 Kuala Lumpur
- Wisden Cricketer of the Year — 2000
- Australian Sports Medal — 2000
- Centenary Medal — 2003
- Walter Lawrence Trophy — 1990 (fastest century in English county cricket)
- Sheffield Shield Winner — 5 times (Western Australia)
- IPL Champion — 2016 (Sunrisers Hyderabad, as head coach)
- The Hundred Champion — 2021, 2022 (Oval Invincibles, as head coach)
Physical Statistics
| Measurement | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) |
| Weight | Not publicly disclosed |
| Hair Color | Gray |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Body Type | Tall, athletic build |
| Distinctive Features | Towering height, aggressive batting stance, natural swing bowler |
Quotes
“It’s a privilege to accept the role as global director of cricket for the RPSG Group. After positive discussions with Mr Goenka it became very apparent this was an exciting opportunity and I also welcome the chance to work alongside him.”
— On joining Lucknow Super Giants, November 2025.“I look forward to helping build a unified cricketing philosophy across the franchises, driving excellence in performance, player development and strategic planning to ensure continued success on and off the field.”
— On his vision for LSG.
Favorites
| Category | Favorite |
|---|---|
| Cricket Formats | T20 franchise cricket, ODI World Cups |
| Coaching Philosophy | Professionalism, player development, strategic planning |
| Domestic Teams | Western Australia, Worcestershire |
| Franchise Teams | Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, Oval Invincibles |
| Awards | Wisden Cricketer of the Year (2000) |
| Hobbies | High jump, Australian rules football, cricket commentary |
Earnings
Tom Moody’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. As one of cricket’s most experienced coaches and administrators, his income sources include:
- IPL franchise salaries: Head coaches and directors at his level typically earn $500,000–$1.5 million+ per season
- T20 league contracts: Multiple concurrent roles across BPL, PSL, ILT20, SA20, and The Hundred
- Director of Cricket roles: Sri Lanka Cricket and franchise positions
- Commentary fees: Regular work with major broadcasters
- Speaking engagements: Motivational and corporate speaking
His cumulative earnings across four decades in cricket likely place him among the wealthier figures in the sport’s coaching fraternity.
Interesting Facts
- World Cup Double: He and Steve Waugh were the first two Australians to win two ODI World Cups (1987 and 1999).
- 36-Ball Century: He scored one of the fastest centuries in English county cricket history for Warwickshire in 1990.
- Record Partnership: His 309* third-wicket stand with Tim Curtis for Worcestershire in 1994 was a List A world record.
- Haggis Thrower: In 1989, he famously threw a haggis 230 feet (70 meters) during a tour of Scotland.
- First XI at 14: He was playing for his school’s First XI cricket team at age 14.
- Back Injury Ended Career: A persistent back injury forced his retirement at just 35, despite being in peak form.
- First Director of Cricket (Sri Lanka): He was appointed to a newly created role in 2021, overseeing all aspects of Sri Lankan cricket development.
- Global Cricket Nomad: He has held coaching or director roles in Australia, England, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, UAE, Canada, South Africa, and the Caribbean.
Did You Know Already?
- Did you know Tom Moody won two World Cups as an Australian player (1987, 1999) and nearly won a third as Sri Lanka’s coach in 2007?
- Did you know he scored over 20,000 first-class runs and took more than 300 first-class wickets?
- Did you know he was the head coach when Sunrisers Hyderabad won their only IPL title in 2016?
- Did you know he threw a haggis 230 feet during a 1989 tour of Scotland?
Social Media Links
Tom Moody maintains a minimal public social media presence. Fans can follow his commentary and coaching updates through cricket broadcasters and franchise channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Tom Moody?
Tom Moody was born on October 2, 1965. He is 60 years old as of mid-2026 and will turn 61 in October 2026.
How tall is Tom Moody?
He is 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) tall, which earned him the nickname “Long Tom.”
How many World Cups did Tom Moody win?
He won two ODI World Cups as a player with Australia (1987 and 1999). He also coached Sri Lanka to the final of the 2007 World Cup, where they lost to Australia.
What is Tom Moody doing now?
As of 2026, he is the Global Director of Cricket for the Lucknow Super Giants (IPL), Director of Cricket for Sri Lanka Cricket, and Director of Cricket for the Desert Vipers (ILT20).
Did Tom Moody play Test cricket?
Yes, he played 8 Test matches for Australia between 1989 and 1992, scoring 2 centuries with a batting average of 32.57.
What teams has Tom Moody coached?
He has coached Sri Lanka (national team), Western Australia, Kings XI Punjab, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Multan Sultans, Rangpur Riders, Oval Invincibles, Desert Vipers, and Montreal Tigers.
Why is he called “Long Tom”?
The nickname refers to his 6’6″ (1.98 m) height.
Conclusion
Tom Moody’s career is a masterclass in longevity, adaptability, and cricket intelligence. From a teenage prodigy at Guildford Grammar to a World Cup-winning all-rounder, from a record-breaking county cricketer to one of the most respected coaches in the modern game, he has done it all. At 60, with a new role at Lucknow Super Giants and continued involvement with Sri Lanka Cricket, Moody shows no signs of stepping away from the sport he has shaped for over four decades. Whether he is building IPL dynasties, developing Sri Lankan talent, or providing commentary to millions, “Long Tom” remains one of cricket’s most influential figures.
If you enjoyed this biography, share it with fellow cricket fans and let us know your favorite Tom Moody moment in the comments!
