FORMER OUTLAW PHIL JAQUES TAKES UP QUEENSLAND COACHING ROLE

Phil Jaques, who spent the first part of the 2014 season with Nottinghamshire, has taken a head coaching role at Queensland Bulls.

The left-hander joined Nottinghamshire on a short-term deal between April and June after it was anticipated that Alex Hales would be missing at the Indian Premier League.

During his time with the club he scored 894 runs at an average of just under 50 including a best of 150* and was meant to return in 2015 before being released from the contract to take up a coaching role with New South Wales Blues.

Now, after also taking on a role with Sydney Thunder in the latest KFC Big Bash, he can’t wait to take up the opportunity in state cricket.

“Queensland were always amongst my toughest opponents when I was playing, but also good company off the field, and I am thrilled about the prospect of now playing a role in that culture,” said the Level Three Cricket Australia accredited coach.

“It goes without saying that I am grateful to Cricket NSW for giving me the chance to move into coaching last year and I will always appreciate their support over my career.

“But the challenge of taking on my first senior coaching role with the Bulls is incredibly exciting and it is a journey I am very eager to begin. I was able to combine coaching and playing at Grade level with Sutherland before taking on the Pathway and assistant coach roles with Cricket NSW and the Blues and it has always been where I wanted to go with my post-playing career.”

“I have good memories of the Gabba. I made my first class debut in a game where the Bulls had NSW under the pump, and later representing my country in a Test match there where I was able to score my first Test century,’’ Jaques said.

“The Bulls have an exciting squad, with probably the most potential of any group in Australia, and I am sure there will be many rewarding opportunities awaiting our players in the future.”

36-year-old Jaques scored 902 runs across his 11-test career at an average of 47 including two back-to-back centuries against Sri Lanka in 2007.

His new Queensland squad will report back for training in a month and Chief Executive Office of the Bulls Geoff Cockerill was delighted to bring Jaques on board.

“We’re very pleased to have Phil join us and believe he will provide us with astute direction and guidance as we work hard to lift more of our players into national squads,’’ he said.

“I would also take the opportunity to thank Justin Sternes for his solid contribution as interim coach for the second half of last season. He has a big role to play for Queensland Cricket going forward and we are keen for him to work with Phil to help deliver on our plans.”