Masakadza backs new bowling Kirby

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) director of cricket Hamilton Masakadza has backed Englishman Steve Kirby to make an impact in his new role as Chevrons bowling coach.

Kirby, a former first-class cricketer, will join the technical team setup of the senior men’s national cricket team which has been on a gradual rise since the appointment of new head coach Dave Houghton.

The Englishman is expected to join the national team ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 that starts in Australia next month.

Until his latest appointment with Zimbabwe, Kirby has been serving as bowling coach at Somerset, one of the sides that he played for during his long and successful county career in England.

The 44-year-old also worked together with current Zimbabwe coach Houghton at Derbyshire.

Masakadza, who has flourished in his new administrative role since ending his playing career said Kirby’s addition was another positive step for the senior men’s national team.

“We are delighted to confirm Steve as our Bowling Coach for the senior men’s team. He has done incredibly well as a player and coach in county cricket over the years and, as we seek to continue strengthening all facets of our game and improving our performances at the highest level, we count ourselves privileged and fortunate to have him as part of our technical set-up,” Masakadza said.

Kirby said when the opportunity to join Zimbabwe came along, he felt it was one that was too good to ignore.

“I’ve got aspirations to be the very best coach that I can be, and international cricket is something that I really want to be involved with,” he said.

“I’ve worked really well with Dave Houghton previously when we were at Derbyshire and when this position presented itself, I felt that I couldn’t turn it down.

“The scale of the role is hugely exciting because I won’t just be working with the national XI, but I’ll also be involved with the whole pathway structure across the country.”