New Zealander John Bracewell tasked with leading Ireland to Test status

New Zealander John Bracewell has been tasked with leading Ireland on the final leg of a long road towards Test status, with his experience of playing and coaching his native country at international level seeing the 57-year-old get the nod in what ended up a two-horse race to replace Phil Simmons.

It is believed Hampshire coach Dale Benkenstein was in with a chance of the job right up to this week, having come highly recommended by former Ireland coach Adrian Birrell, but Bracewell’s knowledge of the Test arena as player and coach saw him win out over the former South Africa one-day player.

Innovative

Known as and innovative and hands-on coach, Bracewell led New Zealand between 2003 and 2008, bringing them to the semi-finals of the 2007 World Cup, and he also spent two spells with Gloucestershire from 1999 to 2003 and 2009 to 2014.

During his time in Bristol, where he won six trophies, he worked with Ireland skipper William Porterfield, who welcomed news that he will be linking up again with his former coach.

“It’s a fantastic appointment for Irish cricket,” he said. “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.”

Bracewell’s initial deal will run until the end of 2017, taking in the period of the Intercontinental Cup, as well as the 2016 World Twenty20 in India. The winner of the Intercontinental Cup will then take on the lowest ranked Test nation in four matches – two home and two away – where victory for the Associate side would see them become the 11th Test-playing nation.

It’s that challenge that appeals to Bracewell, who will base himself in Ireland once he has obtained a work permit.

“There is nothing I enjoy more than fighting for a cause, and in cricket terms there is none better than obtaining Test status,” said Bracewell, who played 41 Test matches and 53 ODIs for New Zealand.

“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,” he added.

Bracewell will be in Malahide for next week’s ODI against England, in an “observation capacity”, with assistant coach Peter Johnston leading Ireland. His first match as head coach will be the Intercontinental Cup opener against the UAE in Malahide, starting on June 2nd.