John Bracewell named as new Ireland cricket coach

Cricket Ireland have announced New Zealander John Bracewell as their new head coach, succeeding Phil Simmons who departed after the World Cup to take charge of the West Indies.

57-year-old Bracewell played 41 Tests for the Black Caps, taking 102 wickets with his off-spin, and also appeared in 53 one day intrnationals.

Bracewell then had a spell in charge of his country, which saw them reach the semi-finals of the 2007 World Cup, sandwiched between two successful tenures at County Championship side Gloucestershire, which produced five one-day trophies and the championship Division Two title in 2002.

Bracewell has agreed a deal, subject to a work permit, that will keep him at the helm until 2017, and is the man charged with taking Ireland towards their goal of playing Test Match cricket by 2019.

On 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.”

Ireland skipper William Porterfield, who worked with Bracewell while at Gloucestershire, spoke glowingly about his new boss, he said: “It’s a fantastic appointment for Irish cricket. His vast experience in all formats of the game both internationally and domestically will stand us in great stead, especially as we build towards our goal of Test cricket.

“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.”

Bracewell’s first game in charge of the side will be the InterContinental Cup fixture against the UAE on June 2nd, with Peter Johnston taking the reigns for next Friday’s one day game against England at Malahide.