Houghton to help Ireland on Zimbabwe tour

Ireland have appointed Dave Houghton as a batting consultant for their upcoming tour to Zimbabwe which will see them play three ODIs and a four-day match against the hosts.

Houghton was Zimbabwe's first-ever Test captain and, along with Andy Flower, probably the best batsman the African country has produced with the 58 year-old boasting an average of 43.05 in 22 Tests, including four centuries.

The former Zimbabwe mentor, who is currently the batting coach at English county side Middlesex, will help the European side with his extensive knowledge of local conditions.

Ireland coach, John Bracewell said: "What a great opportunity it is to have the likes of Dave Houghton with us for the Zimbabwe leg of the tour. His experience as a coach and knowledge of Zimbabwe is a real bonus to the group.

"I have played and coached against Dave for over 30 years and have always admired his manner and temperament in and around cricket. He has always been generous with his time and knowledge and I believe he will be invaluable to all skill-sets on tour.

"His coaching brief in Zimbabwe will be 'game sense' – passing on his insight into what the modern batsman is thinking. This will benefit not only the batters, but also the bowlers – advising on how the opposition batsmen are trying to manipulate them, and how best to counteract this."

Houghton said: "I am very pleased to have been asked by John Bracewell, and Cricket Ireland, to assist as a batting consultant for their tour of Zimbabwe.

"This is a very exciting time to be involved with Irish cricket, as they sit on the cusp of achieving their ambition of entering the Test arena. I hope that my knowledge and energy will be of great benefit to them."

Ireland will play three ODI's against Zimbabwe on 9, 11 and 13 October before playing a four-day fixture against Zimbabwe A starting on 17 October.

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