The 48 year old South African was in charge of the Senior squad from 2002 to 2007, before stepping down after the World Cup campaign, handing over the reins to current coach Phil Simmons. Indeed, his work has already commenced, as he undertook a training session with the Men’s Senior ‘A’ squad at North County over the weekend.
Chairman of the Cricket Committee, Joe Doherty spoke of his joy at securing the consultancy services of Adrian, “We are, of course, delighted to renew our association with Adrian on a formal basis. The new demands of the sport as they affect Cricket Ireland mean that we are now living in a High Performance world and it is in this context that Adi will operate.”
“In the short term, for example, he will be assisting the National Coach with preparation of the 'A' squad and this task has already begun. There will be other opportunities for Adi's specialist input to the development of our squads and elite groupings and it suits all parties for these not to be too rigidly defined over the next six months, thus giving us flexibility to apply Cricket Ireland's resources where they are most needed in what promises to be another exciting season for Irish cricket."
Birrell himself is relishing the move, “I’m delighted to be doing some consultancy work with Ireland on a regular basis. I’ve come a long way with most of the players I’ve been dealing with. I’ve been to Under 19 World Cups with them as well as knowing some of them from previous Senior squads.”
“I’m looking forward to renewing those relationships, and making a contribution to help Irish cricket progress and continue being successful. The recent results have been superb, and have confirmed their standing as the leading Associate country.”
