NSW have axed former Test opener Phil Jaques as coach after the state’s worst start to a Sheffield Shield season in 14 years.
A review was already planned during the Big Bash League break into the horror beginning to the campaign, but officials expedited proceedings with a crucial meeting early on Tuesday.
By just after 9am Jaques had exited the job, with veteran coach Greg Shipperd to take over on an interim basis for the rest of the season.
The move comes after NSW failed to win a game in their first five Shield matches, while they are also last on the one-day ladder with just one win from five games.
While the team have been impacted by Australian selection and injuries, their line up still boasts the likes of internationals Moises Henriques, Sean Abbott and Kurtis Patterson.
Jaques took NSW to a Sheffield Shield title in his second season in charge of the Blues in 2019-20, and a one-day title the following year, but was off-contract this season amid the team’s terrible start.
“On behalf of all at Cricket NSW I’d like to thank Phil for his contribution to cricket in NSW as both a player and coach,” head of performance Greg Mail said.
Greg Shipperd (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
“Phil is an immensely passionate NSW person and has given his all in his time as head coach, but we feel that now is the right time to make a change. We wish Phil well in his future endeavours.”
The change comes just two days out from NSW’s last Shield match before the BBL break, with the Blues set to face Victoria in Melbourne from Thursday.
Shipperd does at least bring some continuity, also working with several players as Sydney Sixers BBL coach.
He won five Shield titles during 23 years in charge of Tasmania and Victoria, and boasts one of the most impressive coaching records in Australian domestic cricket.
“Greg Shipperd’s cricket acumen and his coaching record is well renowned,” Mail said.
“And we are very pleased that he has agreed to guide our Blues program while we take the time to understand our next move.
“He has existing relationships with many of the players and staff and I expect his transition into the group, starting with this week’s match against Victoria, will be seamless.”
Former Australian cricketers are fuming over the Australian Cricketers’ Association downgrading their hospitality invitations to matches this summer.
According to a report in The Age, retired players will only receive a $30 food and beverage voucher instead of invites to hospitality functions at home Tests this season.
Players are unhappy with the watered-down offer but Australian Cricketers’ Association chief Todd Greenberg defended the decision.
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“The benefit of this event is that it will provide a greater opportunity for us to connect with our past players, listen to their views about the game, and talk with them about the programs and services available,” Greenberg told The Age.
“Whether that’s support around their wellbeing, health check days, or even the opportunity to be paid to go back and coach at a local cricket club through our Game Development Grants.”
The retired players, many who made huge sums of money during their career, will struggle to garner much sympathy from the punters in the outer over their frustration with their hospitality downgrade.
For $35, most fans would struggle to be able to afford a decent lunch at most stadiums in Australia.
England captain Ben Stokes will donate his match fees from their three-Test series in Pakistan to help the victims of devastating floods in the country.
Millions of people in Pakistan have had their lives affected by severe flooding in recent months, with officials in the Asian nation estimating damage from torrential monsoon rains that have killed over 1,000 people at more than $40 billion.
“To be back here after 17 years as a test side is very exciting. There is a sense of responsibility amongst the playing and support group and to be here is special,” Stokes said on Monday.
“The floods that devastated Pakistan earlier this year was very sad to see and has had significant impact on the country and the people.
England’s Ben Stokes. (Photo by Adam Davy/PA Images via Getty Images)
“The game has given me a lot in my life and I feel it’s only right to give something back that goes far beyond cricket. I will be donating my match fees from this test series to the Pakistan flood appeal.”
The first Test starts in Rawalpindi on Thursday. England will be without fast bowler Mark Wood, who is nursing a hip injury that ruled him out of the Twenty20 World Cup semi-final and final in Australia.
“Mark’s not going to make the first test squad unfortunately because of his injury,” head coach Brendon McCullum said.
“We expect him to be ready for the second test and otherwise we’ve got a full squad to pick from.”
The Kiwi said he wanted England to to continue playing the aggressive brand of Test cricket through which they defeated New Zealand and South Africa in the northern summer.
“One of the things we try and do is respect the conditions, but at the same time if we are given the opportunity to try and play aggressive and attacking cricket, we’ll try and take that option,” McCullum said as England had its first training session at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.
“The guys who are in our squad, that’s how they play their cricket and that’s what gives them the most amount of freedom and the best opportunity to perform at the highest level.
“We understand the size of the challenge in front of us,” he said. “You don’t want easy challenges. You want to take on the best in their own conditions … I don’t know if we’re going to win the series. I can almost guarantee when the skipper comes in here in 48 hours time he’ll say there’ll be no draws in the series.
“To win away from home is the greatest accomplishment you can achieve as a test player and as a Test side.”
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