Run machine Voges gets his reward
West Australian captain Adam Voges says he never gave up hope that he could play test cricket for Australia after he was today selected in the test squad for series against the West Indies and England.
Voges, 35, won the Sheffield Shield Player of the Year after scoring 1358 runs at an average of 104.46.
National Selector Rod Marsh raved about Voges’ form, saying he couldn’t imagine how any team could dismiss him.
Voges has played 31 One Day Internationals for Australia, but hasn’t represented his country since 2013.
Despite having to wait for his opportunity, he was always confident he could achieve his dream.
“I still had hope,” Voges said.
“You always have hope but I guess when you’re 35 you’re never too sure if age is going to count against you. I guess what the selectors have shown is, if you are performing at domestic level then there are still opportunities regardless of age.
“That’s really exciting. I’m excited about the opportunity.”
“I feel like physically I’m in great nick. We get worked incredibly hard here at WA so physically I’m going really well.
“Everything seems to have clicked this season. You’ve seen that with our results for WA as well. My own personal results for the last couple of years have been really good. I’m feeling great at the moment.”
Voges is likely to compete with WA teammate Shaun Marsh for a place in the test team. He said the competition for positions in the team will bring out the best in them both.
He was looking forward to playing in England where he has played County Cricket for Middlesex, Hampshire and Nottinghamshire.
“Hopefully that’ll hold me in good stead,” Voges said.
“It won’t be foreign territory for me. I’ve played in most of the County grounds in England. I’ve played six seasons over there with the Duke balls and in those conditions so that certainly won’t hold any fears for me.
“I’ve done okay every time I’ve played County Cricket. I’ll just be looking forward to hopefully getting that opportunity.”
