Bruce Reid appointed short-term bowling coach of Zimbabwe

Bruce Reid, the former Australian left-arm fast bowler, has taken over as the bowling coach of the Zimbabwe cricket team. This was confirmed by the Zimbabwe national coach Geoff Marsh, who had recommended his former Australian team-mate's name to the Zimbabwe Cricket Union. "He has been appointed for the home series against West Indies and the ensuing Australian tour and we'll look ahead after that," said Marsh, when asked about long-term plans.

Reid, who is on contract with Hampshire in England and helps out New South Wales in the Australian summer, was available. Zimbabwe had made use of another former Australian fast bowler - Rodney Hogg - during their England tour. Marsh explained: "[Hogg] was very good, but he is tied up with business in England and was unavailable for a period, so Bruce, who will be going back to Hampshire next year and was free in the [Australian] summer, agreed to the offer."

Reid is one man who would know all about the benefits of coaching - he had an average start to his own career, and improved vastly after Bob Simpson worked on his action. This will be the first time that Reid will be involved in coaching a national team in any capacity.