Former Test star Adam Voges has set his sights on doing something Justin Langer couldn't - guiding Western Australia to Sheffield Shield glory.
Voges was unveiled as Western Australia's new coach on Thursday on a three-year deal. He will also coach the Perth Scorchers.
The 38-year-old replaces the highly successful Langer, who was named as Australia's new head coach several weeks ago.
Langer guided the Perth Scorchers to three BBL titles and the Warriors to two one-day trophies.
But he narrowly missed out on Shield success after leading the Warriors in two losing finals.
Voges retired from first-class cricket in 2017, and quit T20 ranks earlier this year.
He was keen to step straight into coaching after his playing days, and initially expected it to be an assistant's role.
But he jumped at the chance to land the WA top job when Langer departed.
Perth Wildcats coach Trevor Gleeson was part of the WACA panel that interviewed Voges.
The WACA were so impressed by Voges' presentation, they didn't feel there was a need to interview anyone else.
Voges knows some people might question whether he is best suited for the role given he has no prior coaching experience.
But he said his five-year stint as captain of WA gave him great insight into what was required as coach.
And he said having senior assistants Kade Harvey and Geoff Marsh as part of his coaching team meant there was plenty of experience to lean on.
"Throughout my captaincy journey. I've sort of unwittingly been preparing for something like this," Voges said.
"To be involved in the planning, in the selection process, in a lot of the meetings that you do go to as captain, you certainly get a feel for what the coaching landscape is like.
"Coaching is something I've always been interested in."
Voges played 20 Tests for Australia, scoring 1485 runs at 61.87.
He captained WA from 2012-17, and will go down as one of the Warriors' greatest players.
But Shield success was something precious that eluded Voges as a player.
Now, he hopes he can fulfil that dream as a coach, with Voges keen to end WA's 20-year drought.
"I didn't make any secret of it as a captain that it was the ultimate success for us," Voges said.
"I don't see that view changing at all as coach and that's the view of all of the players within our squad.
"We know that it's been far too long and I know the guys will work incredibly hard to make sure they are right up there this year."
Voges says he will keep in regular contact with Langer, who he views as a great mentor.
Australian Associated Press
