The Zimbabwe Cricket Union has successfully concluded negotiations with former Australian pace bowler Carl Rackemann, who is contracted to coach the national team until at least 31 August 2001. His contract is renewable after that date, and he succeeds Dave Houghton, who served until after the West Indian tour earlier this year, and Andy Pycroft and Kevin Curran, who both stood in temporarily.

Rackemann will take over his duties with immediate effect, and travels with the team to Kenya tomorrow. His appointment is likely to meet the unqualified approval of the Zimbabwe players, who know him well from brief periods over the past year when he was their bowling coach, most recently on the latter part of their tour to England. Many are outspoken in their praise of the Australian, whose methods and enthusiasm have inspired them and improved their skills significantly.

The ZCU will continue their policy of hiring specialist coaches for brief periods of time, for example a batting specialist, to back up Rackemann, a service he himself performed so admirably in the past.

© CricInfo