Former Victoria coach Scholes dies at 53

John Scholes, who coached the Victorian Bushrangers to two Pura Cup finals during his tenure as coach from 1996-2001, died of a heart attack earlier today. He was 53.

John "Barrel" Scholes played 62 times for Victoria, compiling 3201 runs at an average of 30.78. He captained Victoria for the first time when just 21, one of the youngest to do so. After his retirement as a player, he achieved much success as a coach, leading the Bushrangers to the Mercantile Mutual Cup in 1998-99 and consecutive Shield finals (1999-2001).

Ken Jacobs, Cricket Victoria's Chief Executive Officer, said that Scholes was a unique person who would be sadly missed. "I think today Victoria lost one of its greatest ever cricketing sons. John's contribution as a player, junior and senior coach, as well as mentor to many young Victorian cricketers, will quite simply never be matched."

Scholes leaves behind his wife, Diane, and children, Shannon and Adam.