COMMENT
England needs a steady hand and few could be better than a decorated Australian.
Adam Voges added to his rich list of coaching accomplishments on Sunday night when he took the Perth Scorchers to another Big Bash League championship.
It was his third BBL crown to go with a trio of Sheffield Shield and One Day Cup titles.
Brendon McCullum is still England’s coach – and could be for some time – but his position is under threat following the 4-1 Ashes defeat and subsequent fallout.
The fumbled chance to seriously challenge an unsettled Aussie side highlighted the need for both depth development and a consistently proven method.
From Jonathan Trott to Eoin Morgan, speculation over McCullum’s successor has been constant since England launched its comprehensive performance review.
Voges’ name has not been raised but his record and consideration as a future Australian coach should have England on notice.
The 46-year-old’s method broke Western Australia’s two-decade domestic drought and kickstarted an unrivalled three-year period of success.
In both the 50-over and red-ball format, Voges mixes a strong blend of drawing the best out of veterans and forging future international players.
Voges will step down from WA at season’s end, leaving behind a record as one of Australia’s most successful domestic coaches.
He will continue to steer the Perth Scorchers in the BBL and has signed on as coach of the Seattle Orcas in the Major League.
England’s busy international schedule accumulates more frequent flyer miles than the Twenty20 circuit, but Voges’ shift perhaps suggests a keenness for openings abroad.
The West Aussie wouldn’t bring the flamboyance of BazBall, but he would instead offer a stable formula upheld in high-pressure conditions.
As a player, that method helped Voges play all three formats for Australia and finish his Test career with an average of 61.87.
Ashes series determine the lifespan of a coach. In fact, England is pondering a third change in four series.
A contender for the role like Trott has international coaching experience, but the main argument for the former No.3 is his Ashes record and success on Australian soil.
Trott won three Ashes series across his career and averaged a nudge under 70 on Aussie shores.
If a criteria of England’s next mentor includes someone who can win in Australia, the best fit would likely be an Australian.
Voges has been long considered a leading contender to replace Andrew McDonald when he decides to call time on a tremendous stint at the helm of the Aussies.
But any nation, especially one desperate for success in Australia, should see Voges as a candidate difficult to ignore.
