NEW Zealander John Bracewell has been appointed as Phil Simmons’ successor as Ireland’s head coach.
The 57-year-old joins Cricket Ireland as the team prepare for the one-day fixture against England on May 8 in Malahide. Bracewell has vast experience in both international and English domestic cricket.
He played 41 Tests and 53 One Day Internationals (ODIs) for New Zealand and during his tenure as coach, led the Black Caps to the semi-finals of the 2007 World Cup.
In addition, he has also won six trophies with Gloucestershire.
Bracewell has signed a deal that will keep him in charge until the end of 2017, and is tasked with helping Ireland to achieve the target of Test cricket by 2019.
Speaking about his appointment, Bracewell said: “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.
“I recently presented at the Irish coaching conference and listened to the passion not only for the game but for hard work coming from current and former players, and the parallels with my New Zealand cricket journey really resonated with me."
Phil Simmons departed last month following the World Cup to take charge of the West Indies. Ireland assistant coach and Performance Analyst Peter Johnston will lead Ireland for the clash against England next Friday.
Bracewell's debut match in charge will be the home InterContinental Cup game against the UAE starting on June 2.
