Birrell to take consultancy role with Cricket Ireland

CRICKET NEWS:IRISH CRICKET received a considerable boost yesterday after the confirmation that former national coach Adrian Birrell will take on a consultancy role with Cricket Ireland, with special emphasis on the high performance aspect for underage and A teams.

The 48-year-old South African stepped down following Ireland’s participation at the 2007 World Cup, citing the need to spend more time with his young family. He remained in the country and has recently been working with the Scottish team as a consultant.

Chairman of the Cricket Committee, Joe Doherty, welcomed the return of Birrell, who coached the national side for five years from 2002 before handing over to Phil Simmons.

“We are, of course, delighted to renew our association with Adrian on a formal basis. The new demands of the sport as they affect Cricket Ireland mean that we are now living in a high performance world and it is in this context that Adi will operate,” said Doherty.

“In the short term, for example, he will be assisting the national coach with preparation of the A squad and this task has already begun.

“There will be other opportunities for Adi’s specialist input to the development of our squads and elite groupings and it suits all parties for these not to be too rigidly defined over the next six months, thus giving us flexibility to apply Cricket Ireland’s resources where they are most needed in what promises to be another exciting season for Irish cricket,” added Doherty.

Birrell always took a keen interest in the development of young players during his tenure as national coach, with Ireland skipper William Porterfield and Niall O’Brien just two of the present senior side who benefited greatly from his tutelage.

“I’ve come a long way with most of the players I’ve been dealing with. I’ve been to under-19 World Cups with them as well as knowing some of them from previous senior squads,” admitted Birrell.

“I’m looking forward to renewing those relationships, and making a contribution to help Irish cricket progress and continue being successful. The recent results have been superb, and have confirmed their standing as the leading associate country.”

Meanwhile, Simmons has named nine of the squad that won the World Cup qualifier in South Africa in a 13-man panel for Sunday’s opening Friends Provident Trophy game against Worcestershire at Stormont.

Porterfield is the only County-based player made available, while Trent Johnston (hamstring), Andre Botha (ankle), and Alex Cusack (Achilles) miss out with injury.

Paul Stirling and Reinhardt Strydom, who were both on standby duty for the World Cup qualifiers, come in, while James Hall and wicket-keeper Fintan McAllister are also called-up.

Despite the loss of several key players, Simmons is confident players such as 18-year-old Stirling will be keen to impress ahead of a busy international season.

“This gives the other players a chance to show what they are capable of. It’s always difficult against the counties, but we have been training hard all winter, and have valuable match practice under our belts following six weeks in South Africa. It’s a great opportunity for us to get a few wins.”

IRELAND (squad for Friends Provident Trophy v Worcestershire, Stormont, Sunday 10.45am):W Porterfield (Gloucestershire, Capt), P Connell (North Down), P Eaglestone (Strabane), J Hall (Waringstown), F McAllister (Malahide, wkts), K McCallan (Waringstown), J Mooney (North County), K O'Brien (Railway Union), A Poynter (Clontarf), P Stirling (Carrickfergus), R Strydom (YMCA), R West (Civil Service North), A White (Instonians).