Jaques steps down as Queensland coach

Phil Jaques has stepped down as coach of Queensland to return home to Sydney, where he will take up a position as batting coach of New South Wales. Jaques, the former New South Wales opener who played 11 Tests before his career was curtailed by back problems, has spent two years as head coach of Queensland.

"Phil has stood down for reasons that resonate for many, and he goes with our blessing and best wishes," the Queensland Cricket chief executive Max Walters said. "He and his wife Jessica have a young family and, after making a successful transition from player to head coach, he has made the decision to put his family first and return to Sydney to be closer to their extended family support network."

"Once Phil explained his decision, we contacted Cricket NSW and have worked with them to secure a coaching role for him in Sydney with NSW. In the short-term it will be a blow losing him, as his passion, attention to detail and appetite for work were exceptional whilst he was in the Bulls role. He focused on developing Queensland's young talent and that investment in a new generation of players will stand Queensland and Australian cricket in very good stead in the years ahead."

Jaques said: "Stepping down was a very challenging decision to make, and not one that I made lightly, but I know it was the right one for my family and me. I have enjoyed the chance to coach at a high level with Queensland and stand aside with the knowledge that there are a number of very special players in the group who have bright futures. I congratulate the players, coaches and support staff for working hard and buying into what we looked to achieve with the group and wish them all the best as they tackle the coming season."

Prior to joining Queensland in 2015, Jaques had served as an assistant coach with New South Wales. The Cricket New South Wales chief executive, Andrew Jones, said the state was lucky to have Jaques back.

"I am delighted that Phil Jaques is returning to Cricket NSW," Jones said. "He developed the nickname "Pro" during an impressive playing career because of his meticulous approach and has taken that into his coaching career.

"Phil left NSW to be head coach of Queensland two years ago having done an outstanding job as Blues assistant and batting coach and we are very lucky to have him back."