New South Wales Refocus After ‘Tough Week’ Following Greg Shipperd Axing

New South Wales are attempting to reset ahead of the resumption of the domestic season after what batter Kurtis Patterson described as a “different feeling” within the squad following the decision to axe head coach Greg Shipperd.

Shipperd was informed late last week that he will not continue in the role beyond the end of his contract, despite having a year remaining. He will, however, see out the remainder of the current domestic campaign, which includes four rounds of the Sheffield Shield and the closing stages of the One-Day Cup, where NSW remain in contention for finals in both competitions.

“It is different,” Patterson said ahead of NSW’s clash with South Australia. “That’s probably the best way to describe it. But it is professional sport. No one’s safe in their job forever. Shippy’s taken it really well and, out of respect for him, we all need to knuckle down and get on with our jobs.”

Patterson admitted the news had made for a challenging week within the group but praised Shipperd’s handling of the situation.

“It’s been a bit of a tough week for all of us,” he said. “Shield cricket’s difficult and this is another curveball we’ve got to deal with. But to his credit, he’s taken it like a legend that he is.”

Shipperd was appointed midway through the 2022–23 season, inheriting a side that finished bottom of the Sheffield Shield. Under his guidance, NSW climbed to third in 2023–24 and finished fourth last summer, while also reaching the One-Day Cup final in 2023–24. Several players have also progressed to the national setup, including Sam Konstas, who has featured in Test cricket, and Jack Edwards, who recently made his T20I debut against Pakistan.

Patterson believes Shipperd is leaving the state in a stronger position.

“There’s no doubt he’s turned us around,” he said. “We were struggling for a while and lost our identity and understanding of how to structure games. Shippy was the right man for the job. He’s got so much experience and that counts for something.”

NSW will be led by Edwards against South Australia, with Josh Philippe also available following his return from Pakistan. Steven Smith is unavailable and is not expected to feature for the remainder of the Shield season despite a potential window in his schedule. Uncapped fast bowler Peter Francis has been included in the squad.

For Patterson, the match also marks a personal milestone as he prepares to play his 100th Sheffield Shield game for NSW, joining a select group that includes Phil Emery, Moises Henriques, Greg Matthews, Geoff Lawson and Peter Nevill.

“I grew up idolising this cricket team,” Patterson said. “To play 100 games is something I never really thought about. I’m really proud to be able to tick it off this week.”

South Australia will welcome the return of Alex Carey alongside Brendan Doggett as they face NSW in the next round of the Sheffield Shield.

New South Wales squad: Jack Edwards (capt), Joel Davies, Peter Francis, Ryan Hadley, Liam Hatcher, Sam Konstas, Kurtis Patterson, Josh Philippe, Will Salzmann, Tanveer Sangha, Lachlan Shaw, Charlie Stobo

South Australia squad: Jordan Buckingham, Alex Carey, Brendan Doggett, Mackenzie Harvey, Henry Hunt, Hanno Jacobs, Jake Lehmann, Nathan McAndrew, Nathan McSweeney (capt), Lloyd Pope, Jason Sangha, Liam Scott