HARARE (Reuters)
Former Australian Test opener Geoff Marsh is to be Zimbabwe's next coach. Marsh will take over from compatriot Carl Rackemann in what the Zimbabwe Cricket Union (ZCU) called a "hand over take over" period when England play a one-day series in October. The two Australians will work alongside each other before Marsh takes over as national coach. Marsh has coached Australia's team and is now a consultant to the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

Former Zimbabwe captain Alistair Campbell said: "It's a huge appointment. To be honest, it's been kept pretty much under wraps. Half the guys didn't know about it. Like any international team, we have been looking for an Australian to do the job for us because of what they have been achieving at the moment.

"For us to get the former Australian coach is a great effort on behalf of our union and hopefully we can improve under him," Campbell said.

The left-hander also welcomed the appointment of a player with particular expertise in coaching batsmen. Marsh played 50 Test matches for Australia, scoring 2,854 runs at an average of 33.18, including four centuries.

"Before Carl we always had a batting coach and a bowling coach to come in on a contract basis. But we haven't had a batting coach for a couple of years now and as far as the batters are concerned it will be good to have someone to work with us."

Zimbabwe are preparing for a two-Test tour by South Africa starting next month.

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd