South Africa picks Kirsten
Published:Tuesday | June 7, 2011 | 12:00 AM
JOHANNESBURG (AP):
Gary Kirsten was named South Africa's new cricket coach yesterday, agreeing to a two-year contract to lead his country of birth just two months after taking India to the World Cup title.
The 43-year-old Kirsten, a former opening batsman who played 101 Tests and 185 one-day internationals in an 11-year career with South Africa, takes over from interim coach Corrie van Zyl - who left the role following the Proteas' dismal World Cup failure.
Former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald was appointed as the team's new bowling coach.
National body Cricket South Africa said wicketkeeper-batsman AB de Villiers would be the team's new captain in one-day internationals after Graeme Smith stepped down following the World Cup. De Villiers will also captain the Twenty20 team, while Smith retains the test captaincy.
major shake-up
Opening batsman Hashim Amla is South Africa's new vice-captain in limited overs cricket, as CSA announced a major shake-up of its personnel after South Africa again underperformed at the World Cup. The Proteas entered the tournament as one of the favourites, only to crash out to New Zealand in the quarter-finals.
Kirsten's appointment was a poorly kept secret after he left India following their World Cup triumph in April, saying he wanted to return home and spend more time with his family.
He enjoyed great success in charge of India's all-star team, leading it to the No. 1 ranking in tests as well as the World Cup title in his last match in charge.