Dave Houghton quits as Academy coach

Dave Houghton has resigned from the post of Director of the CFX Cricket Academy.

Zimbabwe Cricket Union Managing Director Vince Hogg says they have accepted the resignation "with much regret".

Houghton, 44, is leaving the country to take up a commentary position with Sky TV in the United Kingdom, where he will cover first class cricket in the English county championships. Houghton will also be playing league cricket.

"His resignation is a very big blow, a big loss to the Union," said Hogg, paying tribute to Houghton.

"He was instrumental in establishing the Cricket Academy 4 years ago. Considering the impact this has had on our development efforts, we owe him a huge debt of gratitude", added Hogg.

Further to his work for Zimbabwean cricket off the pitch, Houghton is also remembered for performance on it.

In 1992 he posted Zimbabwe's first ever Test century...scoring 142-runs in the inaugural Test against India, at the Harare Sports Club.

Two years later, he put up 226-runs against Pakistan, at the Queens' Sports Club in Bulawayo.

It has remained the country's Test standard.

Hogg says because Houghton will remain in charge until the end of the month, the Union has two weeks to finalise its succession plans.