Bradburn named to Pakistan coaching role
AUCKLAND: Former New Zealand allrounder Grant Bradburn has joined Pakistan’s coaching staff, taking the place of Australian Steve Rixon as fielding coach.
Bradburn, who has been head coach of Scotland since 2014, had applied for the New Zealand top coaching job in the wake of Mike Hesson’s resignation. However he missed out, the job going to Gary Stead.
Bradburn’s contract with Scotland was up at the end of this season and he clearly felt it was time for a change.
His first assignment with Pakistan will be at the Asia Cup starting next week in the United Arab Emirates.
‘‘It is a great honour to be joining the
Pakistan team and their high quality coaching staff,’’
Bradburn said in a statement.
‘‘I have seen the progress that has been made under
Mickey Arthur and the opportunity to work with a leading full member team on the rise in world cricket, is a real privilege.’’
Bradburn, who played seven tests and 11 ODIs as an offspinning allrounder from 1990 to 2001, helped Scotland to wins over full member countries and was well regarded for his work with that country.
Pakistan had been chasing Australian Darren Berry to replace former New Zealand coach Rixon, who opted not to renew his contract for personal reasons. However Berry withdrew on the same grounds.
‘‘Grant leaves the Scotland team in a very good position to qualify for, and compete strongly in, the next two World T20 finals in 2020 and 2021,’’ Malcolm Cannon, chief executive of the Scottish board, said.
Bradburn (52) played firstclass cricket for Northern Districts from 198586 to 200102 before coaching the province.