Butcher takes Zimbabwe job

Alan Butcher has been out of a job since being relieved as Surrey coach following a 2008 season which ended in relegation

Alan Butcher, the former England, Surrey and Glamorgan batsman, has been appointed the new coach of the Zimbabwe national team.

Butcher, 56, who was cricket manager at Surrey from 2006 to 2008, replaces Walter Chawaguta in the role. His first assignment will be Zimbabwe's tour of West Indies starting next month.

Butcher will be joined by assistant coach Stephen Mangongo, batting coach Grant Flower and bowling coach Heath Streak.

This season’s Logan Cup competition has seen the return of a number of former Zimbabwe players who left the country from 2004.

They have been followed by several English players, including Chris Silverwood and Ollie Rayner, who have taken up positions as overseas players for domestic teams.

A full member of the International Cricket Council, Zimbabwe have been inactive in Test cricket since 2006.