Cricket: ‘New voice’ good for game

Ed Joyce says a “new voice” may help freshen up the Irish cricket team following Phil Simmons’ appointment as head coach of the West Indies. 

Simmons will leave his position as Ireland coach next week to sign a €225,000-a-year contract with the Windies, and his first task will be to prepare his new side for the three-Test series with England in April and May.

Ireland batsman Joyce says Simmons, 51, has been a “colossus for the game here” since he succeeded Adi Birrell after the 2007 World Cup, but feels a fresh face in charge could help set a new challenge for the England-based county players in the current squad.