Zimbabwe advertise for new coach

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has advertised for the job of national coach, starting next April. By implication, current coach Alan Butcher's contract will not be renewed.

"ZC wishes to advise that the position of national team coach will become vacant on April 1, 2013 ... ZC is therefore inviting applications for the position," the Zimbabwe board said in a release.

Former England batsman Butcher, 58, was appointed coach in February 2010, replacing Walter Chawaguta. While not yet officially confirmed, the advertisement would suggest that the away series against West Indies in March 2013 will be Butcher's last in the role.

The board set November 30 as the deadline for those interested in filing their applications. It said that all candidates must have played first-class cricket, must have at least a recognised Level 3 coaching certificate, and must have at least five years of coaching experience at the senior level.

Zimbabwe are also looking for a new coach for their Under-19 team, to replace former New Zealand allrounder Chris Harris, who stepped down from the position in October following the U-19 World Cup. The team didn't have much success at the tournament, finishing in 15th place, above only Namibia.