Lachlan Stevens has resigned as coach of the Western Australia and Perth Scorchers cricket teams, admitting the season start has been “extremely challenging”.
The 33-year-old Stevens will have his last match at the helm for WA in Wednesday’s one-day cup match against Victoria at the MCG.
The WACA said Stevens recently advised them he would not seek reappointment at the end of the season, but has since decided he should go now.
Stevens joined the WACA in 2010 as coach Mickey Arthur’s assistant after filling a similar role with Queensland, and was promoted to the top job in November 2011 when Arthur became the Australian team coach.
After being well-placed, the WA team lost their last two games to miss the Sheffield Shield final last season and this season they have lost their first three Shield games.
While the Scorchers qualified for the ICC Champions League by reaching last season’s Big Bash final, they had a disappointing and controversial campaign in South Africa last month.
“The timing of this announcement is not ideal during a season, but it was only fair for the WACA to begin the search for a permanent replacement since my future intentions have become clear,” said Stevens in a WACA statement.
“Whilst the start of this season has been extremely challenging for all involved with the Warriors and Scorchers, I believe the past couple of seasons have been very rewarding and feel confident that we have laid foundations for a bright future.
“A fresh coaching structure and new programs will ensure a greater depth of state squad going forward.
“It was humbling to be given the chance to coach the Warriors and Scorchers and I thank the WACA as well as the players and staff for their support during my time here, especially in the past 12 months as head coach.
“I was fortunate to come to Perth two-and-a-half years ago to assist Mickey Arthur, and I could not have asked for a better mentor.”