Pycroft replaces Houghton as Zimbabwe coach for England tour

It has been agreed that David Houghton's contract as Coach of the National Cricket team will be concluded at the end of April 2000.

The Board has amicably agreed to his request for an early release and we are pleased to announce that Andrew Pycroft, Convenor of the Selection Committee, will act as Coach for the England tour by Zimbabwe.

Carl Rackemann, who has been with the team as bowling coach for the Sri Lanka tour to Zimbabwe, and the West Indies Tour, will continue as bowling coach for the One Day Internationals in England in July. Unfortunately, he is unable to act as bowling coach for the entire tour.

We are pleased to announce that we have been able to secure the services of Jeff Thompson, the former Australian fast bowler, to assist the team as the bowling coach for the period 1 May to 21 June, which covers the 2 Test Matches.

The Board wished to take this opportunity of thanking David Houghton for his long service to cricket in Zimbabwe, which started in 1978 as a National Player, and later as Captain, Player/Coach and culminating in his appointment as the National Coach, which was underlined by the outstanding performance of the National Team during the 1999 World Cup. The Board wishes him every success in his future pursuits.

D. A Ellman-Brown Chief Executive 20 April 2000