South Africa Appoints Eric Simons as Bowling Coach Ahead of Australia Series and Men’s ODI World Cup

South Africa Appoints Eric Simons as Bowling Coach Ahead of Australia Series & Men’s ODI World Cup

South Africa’s cricket team has added a seasoned expert to their coaching staff, as former fast-bowler Eric Simons takes on the role of bowling coach. Simons will guide the team through the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia and also play a crucial part in the Men’s ODI World Cup set to take place in India.

The decision to bring in Simons was confirmed by South Africa’s white-ball coach, Rob Walter. This move follows a disappointing performance by the hosts, who recently suffered a five-wicket loss to Australia in the third T20I, resulting in a 3-0 series defeat.

Previously, Rory Kleinveldt had held the interim position as the bowling coach, and Quinton Friend temporarily filled the role for the T20I series in Durban. Walter informed reporters, “Eric has been joining us throughout the winter and will be with us for the ODI series and World Cup.”

Eric Simons, aged 61, has a deep connection with South African cricket. He represented South Africa in 23 ODIs and served as the head coach of the national team from 2002 to 2004. Notably, he was at the helm during South Africa’s campaign in the 2003 Men’s ODI World Cup, which was hosted in their home country.

Simons later took on the role of bowling consultant for the Indian cricket team, contributing to their victory in the 2011 Men’s ODI World Cup, also held in India. Additionally, he has been a long-standing bowling consultant for the Chennai Super Kings and has been part of the coaching staff for Super Kings’ franchises in various T20 leagues.

South Africa’s quest for a Men’s ODI World Cup triumph continues, with their best-ever finish being four-time semi-finalists. Their journey in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup will commence on October 7, when they face 1996 champions Sri Lanka at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi.

-IANS