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Voges family rides Adam's Test debut

Wife Kristy watched on through the night while son Xavier had other things on his mind

Kristy Voges, wife of Australia’s latest Test debutant Adam, has spoken about her husband’s whirlwind 12 months as the Western Australia skipper prepares to resume on 20 not out on day two of the series opener against West Indies in Dominica tonight (Thursday). 

Voges earned a Test call-up at age 35 after a record-breaking Bupa Sheffield Shield campaign with the bat in which he piled on 1358 runs – the fourth-most in Australian first-class history.

He also steered Perth Scorchers and the Warriors’ one-day outfit to titles in their respective competitions, before making the final in the Shield.

His memorable summer was capped off last night, when he became Australia’s 442nd Test cricketer.

“It was very exciting and nervous all at the same time but (the overall feeling was) very proud – we’re very proud,” Kristy told ABC Radio Perth.

“I’m still pinching myself to be honest that it’s happened for him, it’s great.”

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Voges recieving his Baggy Green from former fast bowler Brendon Julian // Getty Images

Voges famously made himself unavailable for a limited-overs tour that clashed with his wedding in 2009 before he had played a single match for Australia, but earned another call-up later in the year, and has since played 31 ODIs, the last of which came in November 2013.

“The wedding was a perfect, beautiful day, and unfortunately it’s always been overshadowed by the whole cricket tour (drama), but to see him get his dream and wear the Baggy Green, I’m very excited for him.”

Riding the recent rollercoaster with her husband, Kristy said her day-to-day routine responsibilities had been a welcome distraction – particularly from last night’s debut, which kicked off at 10pm Perth time and ran through until 5.30am.

“It was a late night, and an early morning,” she laughed. “It’s hard not being able to be there with him.

“We’ve got a four-year-old and a two-year-old, so just doing the kindy run and those kinds of things takes your mind off it … but I’ve still got butterflies in the stomach, and the rest of the family feels the same.

“We spoke to him this morning after he finished … Xavier, our four-year-old, just wanted to talk to him about his Lego.

“But he Skypes us as well, which is great these days, the kids can see his face.” 

Voges classic the cream of Australia's day one fielding

Kristy also reiterated the sentiment of her husband, who said the 2013 selection of Chris Rogers had instilled belief that weight of runs at Shield level would count ahead of age at the selection table.

“Adam’s a very positive person,” she continued. “He has always had hope, but there’s always that little niggle in the back of your mind thinking that ship has sailed.

“He had the dedication to keep going … I think Chris Rogers was in a similar position and that gave Adam hope that he could win a Baggy Green. I think it’s great for everyone – you’re never too old.

“It has been amazing. It’s been a long 12 years for him and to think all that (success has) happened in the last six to eight months is incredible, we’re very pleased for him.”