Irish cricket coach to face his countrymen

COACH Adrian Birrell had prepared to say his farewells to Irish cricket for the end of the group stages, but now gets the dream chance to coach a side against his native South Africa tomorrow.

Birrell hands the Irish coaching job to West Indian Phil Simmons upon the conclusion of the World Cup.

When Ireland arrived for the Caribbean competition, he thought that the final group contest against the West Indies would have been Irelands last at the tournament.

But the dramatic tie with Zimbabwe and shock victory over Pakistan extended his relationship into the Super Eight stage — and his team are pleased about it.

“Adrian had said in the lead-up to the World Cup that the West Indies game was likely to be his last in charge of Irish cricket,” said vice-captain Kyle McCallan.

“Anyone who knows him will tell you he is a very emotional guy, which is good for the team because he gets all 19 of our squad here, including management, behind him.

“They want to do it for him, and it is a pleasure because what he has done for Irish cricket in the last five years cannot be put into words.

“His legacy will hopefully take Irish cricket forward for the next 10 years.

“Adrian has left Irish cricket in a far better state than he found it.”

Ireland, who lost to England by 48 runs at Providence on Friday, face the world’s top team, South Africa, at the same ground on Tuesday.