Former Australian cricket coach Justin Langer has thrown his support behind Adam Voges, declaring him the prime candidate to take over the national coaching role when it becomes available. Langer's endorsement comes on the back of Voges' extraordinary success in State cricket, which he describes as unparalleled in the domestic circuit.
Unprecedented Domestic Success
Since taking over from Langer as coach of Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers in 2018, Adam Voges has overseen a remarkable era of dominance across all three formats of the game. Under his leadership, the Scorchers recently secured their third Big Bash League title by defeating the Sydney Sixers in the final, further solidifying his reputation as the most accomplished coach in Australian domestic cricket.
This championship victory marks Voges' tenth title in domestic cricket, a haul that includes three consecutive Sheffield Shield wins from the 2021/22 to 2023/24 seasons, along with four One-Day Cup triumphs. Notably, during both the 2021/22 and 2022/23 seasons, Voges' teams swept every available title, showcasing a level of consistency and excellence rarely seen in the sport.
Langer's Public Backing
In a column for The West Australian, Langer expressed his firm belief that Voges is the natural successor to current Australia coach Andrew McDonald, who replaced Langer in 2022 and is contracted until the end of 2027. Langer highlighted Voges' methodical and effective approach, contrasting it with more flamboyant coaching styles.
"Over the last eight years he has quietly built one of the most formidable coaching resumes in Australian domestic cricket," Langer wrote. "In Voges, I see a success story that hasn't been loud or flashy. It has been methodical, modern and deeply effective. He is proof that great coaching is measured not by noise, but by silverware."
Langer further praised Voges' calm authority and his ability to build success through depth, relationships, discipline, and relentless standards. "It makes me enormously proud to see how he has guided Western Australian cricket to the success it is enjoying," he added.
Voges' Coaching Future
Despite announcing in November that he would step down as WA coach at the end of this season to pursue opportunities on the franchise circuit, Voges remains committed to his coaching career. In December, he signed a one-year extension to continue leading the Perth Scorchers next summer. Additionally, he has secured roles coaching the Seattle Orcas in America's Major League Cricket and serving as an assistant with Trent Rockets in England's The Hundred competition.
At 46 years old, Voges clarified that his departure from the WA job does not diminish his aspirations to coach at the international level. "I hope that this experience and this path, while a different one, will continue to help my growth," he told The West Australian. "Where that ultimately leads me, I'm not sure. I do have ambitions to coach at international level, if those opportunities do present, but at the moment this is what the focus will be and whichever role I go into just trying to do that to the best of my ability."
With Andrew McDonald's contract running until 2027, the timeline for a potential coaching transition remains open. However, Langer's endorsement positions Voges as a frontrunner, should he choose to pursue the national role when it becomes available. His proven track record of success and methodical approach make him a compelling candidate to lead Australian cricket into the future.
