Photo Credit: New Zealand Cricket
Following the announcement of BLACKCAPS bowling coach Shane Jurgensen stepping down the bowlers have shared their messages of gratitude for the impact Jurgensen has had during his decade-long tenure.
The bowlers were unanimous in endorsing Jurgensen’s caring nature and infectious energy, combined with his incredible work ethic, technical skill and eye for detail.
Tim Southee
“Jurgo, your contribution to New Zealand Cricket over the past 10+ years is something to be really proud of,” Southee said.
“You’ve added a lot of value during that time and contributed to the success of the team and in particular the bowling group.
“Seeing you grow as a coach and person has been one of the highlights for me, and I wish you and your family all the best for the next phase of your coaching career.”
Trent Boult
“Jurgo is a great man, the first time I ever met him was in the Gabba nets in 2005 and he didn’t actually believe I was a bowler at the time,” Boult said.
“The BLACKCAPS team, and in particular the bowling group, are stronger for having Jurgo involved for over the last 10+ years, and we owe a lot of success to his coaching.
“He’s going to be sorely missed but Wellington is very lucky to gain a guy with his experience, his work ethic, and his pure passion for cricket.”
Ish Sodhi
“Shane is one of those human magnets, you always want to be around him and his enthusiasm,” Sodhi said.
“Among his great knowledge of bowling and coaching, he can always make you laugh, and that is something I will miss the most.
“I’m excited for him and his new role with Wellington Cricket and I wish him the very best… love ya Jurg!”
Neil Wagner
“We’re really going to miss the energy and excitement that Jurgo brought to the group, he always lifted the boys up and gave us that little bit of extra motivation when it was needed,” Wagner said.
“He cared about each individual and always did little things to make other people’s jobs as easy and comfortable as possible, that’s the epitome of the man he is.
“Can’t forget his wife Vanessa’s baking, that’s also going to be missed. When the bowlers would be heading into day 4 or 5 Jurgo would pull out the treats and that would get the boys up and running!
“He will flourish as Wellington’s head coach and we wish him really well.”
Matt Henry
“Shane’s been an integral part of the group for such a long time and the bowling group in particular have experienced so many special memories and moments with him,” Henry said.
“Shane is obviously a fantastic bowling coach and someone that I’ve learned a lot from and enjoyed working with immensely
“Jurgo’s such a fun and energetic guy, always buzzing around marking the run-ups and having a laugh – we’ll definitely miss that big smile.”
Lockie Ferguson
“From the very beginning Shane has been a very welcoming coach and someone who is quite clearly passionate about fast bowling,” Ferguson said.
“Throughout my career Shane has worked really hard with me, he has a fantastic eye and whenever I was struggling with my performances on the field he was always able to provide advice with plenty of love when it was needed.
“We’re certainly going to miss him in the BLACKCAPS but we wish him all the best head coaching the Firebirds, they will be very excited to have a coach of his calibre.”
Kyle Jamieson
“What a journey! There are many things that Jurgo has helped me with in cricket but what always stood out for me was his genuine care for people and wanting to help them and the team to be better,” Jamieson said.
“I’ll miss his infectious laugh and of course, the baking shared during numerous bowling meetings, I’m convinced it’s won us a few sessions and games!
“Wishing him nothing but the best for the future.”
Ajaz Patel
“Jurgo, the rock behind the bowling group who sometimes goes unseen but puts in a lot of work to ensure we have everything we need to battle it out on the field,” Patel said.
“He gets to know you as a person, he gives you respect as a player, and he gives you a little push when you need a voice of confidence.
“He would leave no stone unturned when making specific analysis on batsmen, conditions, and recent trends.
“He’s just an absolute legend and I’m really gonna miss having him around!”
Blair Tickner
“Jurgo has been the heart of this group for many years and has always gone over and beyond,” Tickner said.
“Watching him walk to the ground 6 hours before the game with 2kg of Vanessa slices and a big smile, or watching him try to mark the run-ups while the groundsmen are still taking the covers off are some of my highlights.
“His coaching has been world-class, and many other players and I owe a lot of our career success to him.”
Name of Author: New Zealand Cricket
The New Zealand national cricket team, known as the Black Caps, made their Test debut in 1930 against England in Christchurch, becoming the fifth nation to play Test cricket. After waiting 26 years for their first Test win against the West Indies in 1956, they also played their first ODI in 1972–73 against Pakistan. New Zealand are the inaugural World Test Championship champions (2021) and have won the ICC Champions Trophy (2000). They have reached the Cricket World Cup final twice and the T20 World Cup final once.
