/ 11 January 2010

Simons appointed as India’s bowling coach

Former South Africa paceman Eric Simons has been appointed India’s bowling consultant, the cricket board announced on Monday.

“Simons has been appointed bowling consultant of the Indian cricket team for the Test series against Bangladesh and the Test and one-day series against South Africa,” board secretary N. Srinivasan said in a press release.

The two-Test series against Bangladesh starts in Chittagong on Sunday. South Africa are scheduled to tour India next month for two Tests and three one-day internationals.

The 47-year-old Simons, who played 23 one-day internationals for South Africa, was head coach of the Proteas from 2002-2004.

He also worked as a consultant with Royal Challengers Bangalore during the second edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in South Africa last year.

India have been without a bowling coach since Venkatesh Prasad was sacked last October following the team’s disappointing Champions Trophy campaign in South Africa.

India’s head coach, Gary Kirsten, is also a former South Africa player. — AFP