Atkinson named Fury, Scorchers WBBL coach

Former Tasmania wicketkeeper Mark Atkinson has been appointed head coach of the Alcohol.Think Again Western Fury and the Perth Scorchers WBBL teams.

Atkinson, who played 95 first-class matches for the Tigers in the 1990s, moves into the position left vacant by former coach Steve Jenkin, who elected not to seek an extension of his contract due to family reasons.

“It's a real honour to become a member of the WA cricket family and I feel a great sense of responsibility for what it is to represent the Western Australian Cricket Association,” Atkinson said.

“I enter this role with an ambition to have the Western Fury and Perth Scorchers winning the WNCL and WBBL, but I also come with a strong passion to create a team culture that sets the bar in Australian cricket.

“That takes in performance and team spirit, inspiring and creating Australian cricketers, as well as the enjoyment of the game and everything that goes with being a great team.”

Atkinson has more than a decade of coaching and consulting experience, is a Cricket Australia Level 3 accredited coach and holds both Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Bachelor of Physical Education qualifications.

“Mark brings with him a wealth of knowledge, skills and experience in elite cricket along with a high level of energy and enthusiasm and a strong desire to help the Western Fury and Perth Scorchers WBBL teams achieve success,” said Ben Oliver, WACA’s General Manager – High Performance.

“Mark is renowned as someone who gets the most out of himself and the players and teams that he works with. He has been successful as a player, coach and in business and we look forward to him bringing this experience to the WACA.

“I congratulate Mark on his appointment and we’re excited to welcome him into the WA cricket family.”