In a series of surprising events, former Ireland cricketer Gary Wilson has been appointed as the head coach of the senior men's team. This comes soon after the Irish team claimed a historic 2-0 T20I series win over India on Sunday, June 28.
Big change in Ireland after T20I series win vs India
After Ireland's maiden series win over India, Heinrich Malan stepped down from the position of head coach following the discussions around the upcoming World Cup qualifier. As per the statement shared by Cricket Ireland, Malan will work with Wilson to ensure a smooth transition before the upcoming ODI series against Afghanistan, which is set to take place in the month of August.
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Upon joining the side as a coach, Gary Wilson has expressed his happiness over the opportunity of coaching Ireland. Notably, Wilson made his last international appearance in the year of 2020 before retiring from the sport. With this, he has become the first-ever Irish-born head coach of Ireland in the last 30 years.
"Representing Ireland as a player is something I will always be hugely proud of, but to now take on the role of Head Coach is a very special honour that means a great deal to me," said Wilson in a statement.
How Gary Wilson had fared in international cricket?
As a player, Gar Wilson had a prolific 15-year long international career for Ireland between 2005 and 2020, cementing himself as a key pillar of the country's historic transition into a full ICC member. The right-handed wicketkeeper batter played a total of 105 ODIs, scoring 2,072 runs at an average of 23.81. Wilson managed to register 12 half centuries and one century, he recorded his best score 113 against Netherlands.
In the T20Is, Wilson played 81 games, showcasing his utility in the lower-middle order by amassing 1,268 runs at a strike rate of 104.62 and an average of 21.13. He registered three half centuries with a top score of unbeaten 65.