Kirsten: Test schedule too tough on family life
Former South Africa coach Gary Kirsten feels short term jobs like the IPL and Caribbean Premier League will soon become the norm for older coaches, given how busy the Test calendar has become.
Former South Africa coach Gary Kirsten feels short term jobs like the IPL and Caribbean Premier League will soon become the norm for older coaches, given how busy the Test calendar has become.
Kirsten left his post with the Proteas in order to spend more time with his family, and turned down the chance to take the England job for the same reasons. He then took up the head coaching job with the Delhi Daredevils.
Kirsten told the BBC of the choice: "It is a decision I made. It's an intense eight weeks, I have enjoyed the melting pot of cultures and it is fantastic working with all the different cultures.
"From the perspective of being away from home it works really well. It's intense for eight weeks and then you're at home doing what you need to do.
"The England job is a massive job but there are few Test-playing nations so there are few of these jobs. This (the IPL) is a great opportunity for coaches.
"Coaching has become a young man's game and everyone is going to have family difficulties, which is why we are seeing a lot of split coaching.
"In 2012 I had 250 days away from home which, to have any sort of family life, is not feasible."
The former Proteas opener then said he had never really considered the England job, for the same reasons he left the Proteas. While he was pleased to be thought of as a top candidate, it would not have worked for him.
Kirsten continued: "It was a privilege to be in the mix, some calls were made but from the outset it was a principle decision
.
"It's an honour to be asked to do a job of that nature, an incredible task and a great opportunity for any coach, but my set of circumstances were not right for me to consider it."
Latest
-
News
England Women wrap up 4-1 series victory in New Zealand
Heather Knight top-scored with 35 in England’s chase of 137.
-
England
England will not adopt negative approach after humbling in India – Zak Crawley
England will aim to get ‘Bazball’ back on track this summer against West Indies and Pakistan.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.