Needed a "shake up": Healy on former Proteas skipper taking over Bulls and Heat

Queensland cricket legend Ian Healy says the state’s Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup teams needed a “shake up” after it was announced former South African limited overs skipper Johan Botha would take over as Queensland Bulls and Brisbane Heat coach.

Botha, who played five Test matches along with 78 One Day Internationals and 40 T20 Internationals for the Proteas, was announced as the new coach this morning following Wade Seccombe’s departure in March.

He will take over a Heat team coming off the back of the franchise’s second Big Bash title but a Shield team, which finished last, and a 50-over side that won just one game and ended the season in fifth spot.

The 42-year-old, who signed a three-year deal, beat out another Queensland cricket legend in Ashley Noffke and former England international Adam Holliaoke.

“I feel for Ashley Noffke because Queensland has always had a reputation, sometimes to our detriment, of choosing from within the building,” Healy, the Deputy Chair of Queensland Cricket and Brisbane Heat Chairman, said on SENQ Breakfast.

“People sort of say you don’t apply for a job in Queensland they’ll just give it to one of their own and that hasn’t been the case this time.

“That’s unfortunate for Noffas because his coaching star is very bright and very highly regarded.

“It’s just mainly the most recent international and domestic playing experience and leadership experience at a time where (it is) very needed.

“I think our squad is very comfortable and we’re very underachieved in the Bulls and the Marsh Cup one day domestic comp for the last two years, so they need a shake up.

“Whoever got that job we were going to be fine.”

The 2024/2025 domestic cricket schedule is yet to be released but the Sheffield Shield is expected to start in October.