Adam Voges Backs Sam Whiteman to Continue WA Career Despite English Signing
Outgoing Western Australia coach Adam Voges has expressed strong confidence that Sheffield Shield captain Sam Whiteman will remain with the state for the upcoming season. This comes despite Whiteman recently signing a three-year deal to play as a local player for Yorkshire in English county cricket.
The announcement from Yorkshire in January revealed that Whiteman, who was born in Doncaster within their catchment before moving to Bunbury at age three, had committed to the county side. However, under ECB regulations, players cannot be registered as local in England while also holding the same status in another country. This means Whiteman would need to be designated as WA's nominated overseas player if he continues to participate in Australian domestic cricket.
Voges Optimistic About Whiteman's Future with WA
Voges, who will depart his coaching role at the end of the current season, stated that he does not anticipate Whiteman's county agreement will prematurely end his nearly 15-year tenure with WA. "We've had a lot of discussions throughout the year with Sam," Voges said. "He's contracted for another year and he's keen to continue, and we're keen to have Sam continue with us. He's been a huge part of WA cricket for a long time, he's our shield captain, and I still think he's got plenty to offer over the next 12 months."
Whiteman initially joined WA's team as a wicketkeeper but successfully transitioned to a top-order batter after recovering from several serious finger injuries that threatened his career. He has since led the side to Sheffield Shield victories in both 2023 and 2024, showcasing his leadership and batting prowess.
Recent Team Adjustments and Strategic Shifts
In a recent Sheffield Shield match where WA suffered a heavy defeat to Victoria, Whiteman was moved down to the No.4 batting position. This change broke up the historic opening partnership between him and Cam Bancroft, which had been the most prolific in the state's history. Sam Fanning stepped in to open with Bancroft and seized the opportunity by scoring his best first-class innings of 99 runs in the first innings.
Voges explained that this strategic shift was implemented to strengthen the middle order, especially with key players Hilton Cartwright and Aaron Hardie sidelined due to hamstring injuries. "It just meant we were very young with our batting line-up in particular, so we just felt that moving Sam (Whiteman) down to four was a way of trying to spread that experience a bit more throughout the group," he noted. "It gave Sam (Fanning) an opportunity at the top of the order; he's an opener by nature, that's where he's played a lot of his cricket. It was great to see him take that opportunity."
As the season progresses, Voges remains hopeful that Whiteman will balance his commitments, ensuring his continued contribution to WA cricket while honoring his new role in England.
