Phil Jaques has been punted as head coach of NSW after his side failed to win any of its first five Sheffield Shield games to start the new season.
The Blues are anchored to the bottom of the table and are also last in the one-day competition with one win from five matches, including their most recent loss at home to Queensland on Sunday.
NSW had planned on reviewing the situation during the BBL break over summer, but a call was made on Tuesday to appoint Greg Shipperd as interim coach ahead of their Shield clash against Victoria starting on Thursday morning.
Jaques took over the job in the 2018/19 season following a glittering domestic and international career that included 11 Tests for Australia.
“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,” Cricket NSW chief of cricket performance Greg Mail said.
“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.”
Shipperd brings plenty of experience to the role having won five Shield titles during his 23 years in charge at Tasmania and Victoria.
The 66-year-old knows the bulk of the playing squad given he’s in charge of the Sixers in the BBL, where he’s led them to three-straight finals where they won a couple of titles.
“Greg Shipperd’s cricket acumen and his coaching record is well renowned, and we are very pleased that he has agreed to guide our Blues program while we take the time to understand our next move,” Mail said.
“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.”
