Birrell lands role with Scotland

CRICKET:The adage that it's hard to keep a good man down obviously holds true in the world of cricket after it was announced yesterday that former Ireland coach Adrian Birrell is to join Scotland in a consultancy role. The 47-year-old South African was at the helm with Ireland from 2003 until he stepped down after leading the country to the second round of the World Cup earlier this year.

Hugely popular with his players, Birrell masterminded victories over Pakistan and Bangladesh and a tie with Zimbabwe as Ireland lit up the Caribbean in one of the unlikeliest stories of the year.

Birrell will work alongside Scotland's new head coach Peter Steindl, a 37-year-old born in Australia, who played 28 times for his adopted country.

His role will be to assist Steindl in planning and tactics, in addition to delivering some practical sessions with the team and supporting the coach on identified match days.

Speaking of his appointment yesterday, Birrell said: "I am delighted to be involved again in top-class cricket after my short break. The offer to work on a consultancy basis with Scotland is a great opportunity to assist a national team on a part-time basis."

Ireland are scheduled to meet Scotland in two one-day internationals next July, in Aberdeen on July 2nd followed by a European Championship clash at Clontarf on July 31st.