Bracewell joins the Ireland Test crusade

IRELAND have appointed New Zealand’s John Bracewell as their new head cricket coach on a deal subject to work permit approval until the end of 2017.

The former Black Caps player and coach succeeds Phil Simmons, who ended eight years with Ireland earlier this year to take charge of West Indies.

Bracewell, who will have a watching brief when Ireland take on England in Dublin next Friday, has been identified as someone who can help the associate nation achieve their goal of playing Test cricket by 2019.

The 57-year-old is relishing the chance to take control of a team that once again upset the odds at the recently-completed World Cup, where they claimed wins over Test-playing sides West Indies and Zimbabwe.

“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. “Already Ireland have achieved tremendous international results given its financial resources and has gained respect at international tournaments.

“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 resonated with me.”