Birrell ready for emotional exit

Ireland coach Adrian Birrell is ready for an emotional exit from his job after his team’s final match in this current World Cup, against Sri Lanka at Grenada on Wednesday.

Birrell, a 46 year old South African, has taken Ireland from the unknown to international recognition after overseeing victories over Pakistan and Bangladesh and a tie against Zimbabwe during this current World Cup in the West Indies, in which the Irish qualified for the Super Eight stage.

“I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved. It’s not only me, we have a great squad of players and we are tight and there is a wonderful team spirit,” Birrell told reporters.

Ireland’s two wins against test match playing teams in this tournament means that they fulfil the requirements to appear on the official one-day international rankings table. They became the 12th member of this elite table alongside Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe.

Former West Indies cricketer Phil Simmons will replace Birrell. Simmons’ nephew Lendl has played for the hosts in this tournament.

Birrell has stated that he will start to “play golf” after coaching coaches following this current World Cup.