Ireland lose assistant coach

Just 24 hours after his first match in charge, Phil Simmons, the Ireland coach, has already lost his assistant, Matt Dwyer, who resigned today.

"I'd originally intended to stay on a while to give Phil a hand," Dwyer said, "but with so many games coming up over the next few weeks, I don't have the same enthusiasm or drive that I feel Irish cricket needs at this time. I suppose you could say I'm getting out now on a high."

Dwyer, like most involved in Irish cricket, is essentially an amateur; he, like many, has a full-time occupation away from cricket: a roofing business which he spent seven weeks away from during the World Cup. The financial burden has proved too heavy.

"I'd hoped to help Phil acclimatise, but I suppose he's going to have to find out things for himself now, rather than hearing second hand about players from me," he said. "I do wish him all the best in the job, and hope he makes a great success of it. I'd like to thank all the players I've worked with - their commitment has been exemplary, and I'm proud to have been associated with them."

Simmons took over as head coach after the World Cup, following the departure of Adrian Birrell.