Adam Voges ( Photo Source : X / Twitter )

Adam Voges, widely regarded as a strong contender to coach Australia once Andrew McDonald’s tenure concludes, has announced that he will step down as Western Australia’s head coach at the end of the 2025-26 season. Voges is set to explore coaching opportunities in franchise cricket after a highly successful stint with WA.

Voges took charge ahead of the 2018-19 season following Justin Langer’s elevation to the national role.

Under his leadership, Western Australia enjoyed a dominant era, winning three consecutive Sheffield Shield titles and four One-Day Cup trophies. Remarkably, WA completed the domestic double in three straight seasons from 2021-22 to 2023-24.

Although the side had a difficult 2024-25 campaign, finishing last in both formats, they have shown signs of resurgence this season. WA currently sit third on the Sheffield Shield table after a dramatic one-wicket victory over Queensland.

"I'm incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to be in the role of WA men's team head coach over the past eight seasons.

We have enjoyed an incredible amount of success over the past four seasons, which is a credit to everyone involved with the side,” said Voges as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"It's also been really pleasing to oversee many players from WA take the step to international duty and excel playing for their country. While it wasn't an easy decision to make, I'm looking forward to pursuing more coaching opportunities in franchise cricket,” he added.

Earlier this month, Voges was in discussions to join Trent Rockets in The Hundred as an assistant coach, according to ESPNcricinfo.

He has previously coached Australia A and has also worked with the senior national team, further strengthening his credentials for future international roles. Meanwhile, WA Cricket remain in talks with Voges about continuing as Perth Scorchers’ head coach in the Big Bash League (BBL).

Australia head coach’s current contract runs until 2027, though he has hinted that he is unlikely to pursue an extension, having been in the role since early 2022. This could open the door for Voges, who played 20 Tests and retired with a remarkable average of 61.87, to be a leading candidate for the job.

During Voges’ tenure, Western Australia has consistently produced talent for the national side. Cameron Green and Josh Inglis are currently part of Australia’s Test squad, while a promising new generation, including allrounder Cooper Connolly and fast bowler Mahli Beardman, is emerging through the WA system.