Ntini replaces Whatmore as Zimbabwe's interim coach

Harare, May 31 (IANS) Ahead of the limited overs series against India, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) on Tuesday made sweeping changes by sacking coach Dav Whatmore and skipper Hamilton Masakadza and named former South Africa pacer Makhaya Ntini and Graeme Cremer as interim coach and captain of the side.

The cricket body cited the team's poor performance in the ICC World Twenty20 as the reason for sacking Whatmore and Masakadza. Zimbabwe failed to make it out of the preliminary stage in the tournament.

Whatmore, who was handed a four-year contract in April last year will now be replaced by bowling coach Ntini on interim basis.

"Head coach Davenell Whatmore has had his contract terminated with immediate effect. Bowling coach Makhaya Ntini has taken over in an acting capacity until the appointment of a substantive head coach," a statement from Zimbabwe Cricket read.

"The board has also relieved Zimbabwe top-order batsman Hamilton Masakadza of the captaincy for all three formats of the game. His deputy, Graeme Cremer, will act in the interim," it added.

Zimbabwe have also signed former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener as batting coach for two years.

Zimbabwe play India in three One-Day Internationals and as many Twenty20 Internationals, starting June 11 at the Harare Sports Club here.

--IANS

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