Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
“It’s certainly a new chapter in my life and one I’m looking forward to immensely”
Legendary Ireland all-rounder Trent Johnston has become the head coach of the country’s women’s team as well as the fast bowling coach at the new national academy after announcing his retirement from international cricket.
Johnston, who represented Ireland in 67 ODIs and 30 Twenty2o Internationals, ended his career on a winning note as the men from the Emerald Isles lifted the Intercontinental Cup after beating Afghanistan by 122 runs in the final.
“It’s very exciting and a great honour to be given these new challenges by Cricket Ireland,” Johnston said. “It’s certainly a new chapter in my life and one I’m looking forward to immensely.”
Johnston’s first task with the women’s team will be a tri-series involving South Africa and Pakistan in Qatar in January.
That will be followed by the 2014 World Twenty20 in Bangladesh in March.
“It’s going to be tough because we’ll be the only Associate Member there – but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Johnston said. “The Qatar series will be ideal preparation for Bangladesh. It’ll let me get my feet under the table and get to know the squad.
“I’ve worked with most of them before but this is different in that I’ll be Head Coach this time around and I’ll have ultimate responsibility. I’ll enjoy that and hopefully in time I’ll get them playing the brand of cricket that I’ve played.”
Speaking about his role as the national academy’s fast bowling coach, Johnston said: “It’s a great job fit for me and it’ll be great helping shape the future of Irish cricket. I’m going to be busy as I’m also keeping my role as Leinster Lightning coach.”
Performance Director Richard Holdsworth stated that he was ecstatic to have Johnston helping Ireland cricket in numerous ways.
“Trent has played in over 15 countries worldwide and just under 200 times for Ireland,” Holdsworth said. “He has moved further into coaching in recent times, and we firmly believe he is the right man to lead the Ireland women’s team for the next two years.
“He has an enormous understanding of the game, a work-ethic which is second to none, and is constantly willing to learn. He has excellent technical and tactical knowledge and captained Ireland 60 times. Trent knows how important team ethic is in winning teams and that is sure to rub-off on the players.”
Holdsworth added that he believes Johnston is the perfect role model for all young pace bowlers in the country.
“It is fitting that the man who has led the Ireland bowling attack for ten years is now going to be instrumental in the development of the next generation of young quicks,” he said.