Todd Murphy has garnered national recognition following his exploits with Victoria.(AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts)
Victorian men’s cricket head coach Chris Rogers has signed a new two-year deal to continue in his role - after nurturing the Goulburn Valley’s Todd Murphy to Ashes stardom.
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The long-serving helmsman has provided many of his disciples with a platform for national team success over the past six years, having assumed the reins back in 2020.
The past 12 months have been a resounding success for Victoria, with the Melbourne Cricket Ground-based side having reached the final of the prestigious Sheffield Shield - after tallying up eight home-and-away wins across the campaign.
Despite falling at the final hurdle against eventual champions South Australia, that record meant that Victoria became only the second team in the competition’s history to put together such an impressive run.
Losing by 56-runs in the winner-takes-all clash at Junction Oval in March, they had a target of 196 to reach to take the spoils but fell to an unexpected defeat as they lost 7-37 after being bowled out for just 139.
Among those who took part in the run to the Sheffield Shield showpiece was the Goulburn Valley’s Murphy - with the right-arm off spin bowler having emerged as a standout star under Rogers’ guidance.
The country talent, known affectionately among teammates as “Goggles” featured in the Sheffield Shield final, having also gained national recognition over the last few years.
The No. 28 has made seven test match appearances for the land down under - first earning a cap in a test match against India in February, 2023.
One of the highlights of his career so far was his selection for the 2023 Ashes campaign, as he deputized for the injured Nathan Lyon to make made his debut at Headingley.
He was dropped for the fourth test over in England but returned to the fray in the fifth test, as he helped Australia to retain the famous Ashes Trophy following a 2-2 draw.
Chris Rogers has been a revelation as head coach of Victoria.
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Rogers reflected on his tenure so far in charge of Victoria and expressed excitement about the group’s direction and the opportunities ahead.
“It’s been a privilege to coach Victoria and continue building on the strong history of this program,” he said.
“We’ve worked hard to create an environment where players can develop, challenge themselves and ultimately perform consistently for Victoria.
“I’m proud of what this group has achieved over the past few seasons, but there’s still a strong hunger within the playing group to keep improving and ultimately bring more success to Victorian cricket.
“There’s a strong connection between the playing group, staff and the history of Victorian cricket, and we want to continue honouring that while building something this current group can be proud of.”
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