In a significant move for Western Australian cricket, Adam Voges has confirmed his future coaching plans. The former Test batsman will remain at the helm of the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, despite deciding to step away from his senior men's coaching duties with the Western Australia state team.
A Strategic Decision for Work-Life Balance
Voges made the announcement on Tuesday, July 16, explaining that his choice to leave the WA role was driven by a desire for a better work-life balance. The demanding schedule, which involved year-round commitments across international, domestic, and franchise cricket, had become unsustainable for the 44-year-old and his young family.
"The decision to step away from the WA role was mine," Voges stated. He emphasised that the relentless travel and time away from home during the winter months were key factors. By focusing solely on the Scorchers, whose BBL season runs primarily during the Australian summer, Voges can achieve a more manageable schedule.
This decision ends a highly successful tenure with the WA senior men's side. Under his leadership, the team secured back-to-back Sheffield Shield titles in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, along with a One-Day Cup victory in 2022-23.
Unfinished Business with the Scorchers
Voges' commitment to the Perth Scorchers signals his determination to return the club to its championship-winning ways. As the most successful franchise in BBL history with five titles, the Scorchers experienced a rare setback last season, failing to reach the finals for the first time since BBL|08.
The coach has one year remaining on his current Scorchers contract and is keen to see the job through. "I've still got a year to run on my Scorchers contract and I'm really excited about what that looks like," Voges said. He expressed confidence in the playing group and a strong belief that they can bounce back and contend for another title in the upcoming BBL|14.
His continued presence provides crucial stability for the squad, which boasts a core of experienced players like Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, and Jason Behrendorff, alongside emerging talents.
What This Means for WA Cricket
Cricket Western Australia has accepted Voges' decision and will now begin the search for a new senior men's head coach. The organisation's high-performance manager, Kade Harvey, thanked Voges for his immense contribution to the state's recent golden era.
The separation of the two head coaching roles – state and BBL – is a model used successfully in other states, like New South Wales with Greg Shipperd (Sydney Sixers) and Phil Jaques (NSW Blues). This structure allows for greater specialisation and focus on the distinct formats and player groups.
For fans, Voges' continued leadership of the Scorchers ensures familiarity and the preservation of the club's renowned culture. His proven track record in the BBL, where he has coached the team to two championships (BBL|11 and BBL|12), offers strong hope for a swift return to the league's summit.
The upcoming summer will be a telling chapter for both Voges and the Scorchers, as they aim to reaffirm their status as the powerhouse of Australian T20 cricket.
