There’s a new sheriff in town for the Irish cricketers.
They’ve appointed former New Zealand head coach John Bracewell as their new boss, replacing Phil Simmons, who departed to take up the coaching of the West Indies after the World Cup.
Bracewell is a former off-spin bowler for the Black Caps, playing in 41 tests between 1980 and 1990, as well as having 53 ODI caps. He spent five years as head-coach of the national team, and most recently was Director of Cricket at Gloucestershire since 2009.
Bracewell has worked with Irish captain William Porterfield at the English county, and Porterfield says he’s had a major impact on his career to date.
“He improved my game tremendously when I worked with him at Gloucestershire, and I’m certain he will fit in really well in Ireland where the squad will relish the opportunity to work with him,” he says.
Bracewell will be with the Irish side in an observation capacity for their ODI against England in Malahide next week, with Assistant Coach Peter Johnston taking charge.
Cricket Ireland Performance Director Richard Holdsworth says the appointment is a forward step for the side, and his vast experience will bring them closer to their ultimate goal of becoming a test nation.
“The interview panel were impressed by John’s passion, commitment and knowledge, but more importantly his international experience both as a player and coach.
“We feel John’s knowledge gained over a 25-year period in the first-class game will help further develop our current players, but also ensure succession planning for our future squad who aim to be playing Test cricket by 2019. We believe John’s great understanding of players as people as well as cricketers will help not just the Ireland team, but our pathway players aspiring to wear the Ireland shirt in all formats on the world stage in the future.
Bracewell says Ireland are no longer the “banana skin” they once were, and can count themselves as an established cricket nation.
“I am delighted to accept the position as Cricket Ireland’s head coach. There is nothing I enjoy more than fighting for a cause, and in cricket terms there is none better than obtaining test status.
“Already Ireland have achieved tremendous international results given its financial resources and has gained respect at international tournaments, to the point where they are no longer regarded as a banana skin match but true qualifying contenders”
