Zimbabwe Cricket on lookout for full-time coach

Makhaya Ntini's position as interim head coach of the Zimbabwe team is likely to come to an end with Zimbabwe Cricket inviting applications on Wednesday (August 24) to fill the role in a full-time capacity.

The last date for applications is September 9.

Ntini, who took over from Dav Whatmore after the Australian was sacked from the post on May 31 amid sweeping changes in Zimbabwe cricket, saw the side through the home series against India in June and the two Tests at home against New Zealand in July-August, both of which they lost.

Against India, Zimbabwe lost all three One-Day Internationals but managed to pull one back in the Twenty20 Internationals, which they lost 2-1. 

Once the new head coach is identified, Ntini is expected to revert to his earlier brief of being assistant and bowling coach of the Zimbabwe national team.

Whatmore was sacked soon after the 2016 World T20 in India, where they failed to make it past the Super 10 stage, losing to Afghanistan along the way.

Stephen Mangongo, who was replaced by Whatmore in December 2014 following acontroversial five-month stint, is expected to be in the running for the post by virtue of being the head coach of the under-19 side.

Douglas Hondo, the former paceman who played nine Tests and 56 ODIs in the early 2000s, is currently the coach of the 'A' team and could be another strong contender for the post.

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Details of Zimbabwe Cricket's requirements

It was also reported in the Daily News earlier in the day that Zimbabwe are interested in hiring Gary Kirsten, the former India and South Africa coach, for the job. Kirsten is currently on a short-term contract with Rajasthan Cricket Association. The newspaper also revealed that Lance Klusener, the current batting coach, could also be promoted to the position.

Zimbabwe's next assignment is against Sri Lanka at home in October-November with two Tests, three ODIs and a T20I lined up. There could, however, be a change in that schedule with the possibility of West Indies joining the two sides for a triangular series.