Cricket NSW board member Ed Cowan has defended the organisation’s decision to sack Greg Shipperd after heavy criticism from Steve O’Keefe.
On SEN, O’Keefe had pointed out that Shipperd led NSW to a One-Day Cup win and a BBL final for the Sixers while claiming players had gifted him a watch and card.
Haddin’s appointment was ratified during NSW’s final Sheffield Shield match with assistants Ali de Winter and Shawn Bradstreet sacked while the match was going on.
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Fox Sports also reported that Shipperd had walked past the board room meeting with the One-Day Cup on multiple occasions.
Greg Shipperd and Sean Abbott. Â Getty
Cowan was overseas for the meeting but joined via video call and said on the ABC Cricket Podcast that people he spoke to claimed they didn’t see Shipperd do that.
The former Australian opening batter went on to compliment Shipperd on his work to improve NSW but believes Haddin will improve the men’s side, stating that the One-Day Cup is the least important trophy out of the three on offer in domestic cricket.
In the Sheffield Shield, NSW finished fifth with two wins and Cowan said there was missed opportunities in that format.
“The Shield team won two games, missed out on driving home wins in multiple games because the style of play was way too negative,” he said.
“In the Big Bash … from all reports that team was definitely being held together by other people.”
Ed Cowan. Getty
Podcast host Corbin Middlemas then put it to Cowan that team culture could become a problem due to Shipperd’s popularity.
That point was countered by the Blues board director.
“First of all, the thing I’d say is, do you know that the players are unhappy Brad’s been appointed or are some relieved? Maybe some are relieved the style of play might change,” Cowan said.
“That he (Shipperd) hadn’t connected with them in a way because the age gap got too big and his coaching methods had probably dated. Do you know that?
“What you’re going on is what Steve O’Keefe, who retired four years ago, is saying and spousing on his radio show.”
Steve O’Keefe celebrates a wicket for the Sixers. Getty
Cowan added players will look to please the new coach simply because they must due to their contracts.
As for the BBL, both Shipperd and Trevor Bayliss won’t be coaching the SIxers or Thunder.
James Hopes has been linked to the Sixers while Mike Hussey could coach the Thunder, according to Middlemas.
Cowan wasn’t willing to divulge anything on the appointment process but didn’t confirm or deny whether they were in the mix.