Porterfield relishing it as he and Wilson named coaches
CRICKET Ireland have filled two “long-sought” posts with two familiar and experienced names. William Porterfield and Gary Wilson are, respectively, the new fielding and wicket-keeping coaches.
Porterfield, who is still a centrally-contracted player with Ireland, has also been appointed assistant to Wilson, who this week was confirmed as the new North West Warriors head coach having announced his retirement as an Ireland player.
The two close friends — they have played together since Ireland Under-13 level — have a total of 593 international appearances between them and while Porterfield hopes to add to his tally of 301 caps, he is excited by his new coaching roles.
“I had a bit of a taste of coaching with the Birmingham Bears last year and while it will be different being a coach while still playing, it’s going to be a great opportunity and I can’t wait to get stuck in,” he said.
“The fielding role is something I’m passionate about, I’ve prided myself on my fielding throughout my career and tried to set high standards, so hopefully I’ll be able to help out not only players from the men’s and women’s squads but players with the under-age teams as well.”
Wilson was Ireland’s best wicket-keeper at his retirement and his successor in the international side, Lorcan Tucker, will benefit from one-to-one coaching with the former Surrey and Derbyshire professional.
Meanwhile, it was also announced yesterday that the European Cricket League has been postponed for the second successive year.
CIYMS were due to travel to La Manga in June for the 16-team tournament as Ireland’s representatives, but the organisers have taken the early decision to postpone because it was impossible to plan ahead due to Covid restrictions.
They have already begun planning for ECL22, however, which will take place next February and March in Malaga, with Finals Week from March 21-25.