Steindl handed Scotland post

Peter Drinnen resigned in July

Australia-born Peter Steindl has been appointed Scotland’s new head coach.

The 37-year-old former Scotland medium-pace bowler will take up his new role on January 1, moving from his current position as Cricket Scotland’s community development manager.

Steindl said: “This is a great opportunity for me. After working with the squad last season on an interim basis I am delighted to progress to work full-time in preparing the team towards the 2009 ICC Trophy.

“We have the opportunity to build on some excellent performances last season and prepare for an exciting fixture list this season. We have 16 months to prepare the squad for a massive event and the work starts now.”

Peter Drinnen resigned as Scotland coach in July after a run of disappointing results, and the team played on without a permanent coach for the remainder of the summer.

Drinnen was retained as Cricket Scotland’s technical director following his resignation as coach, but his contract, which expires this month, will not be renewed.

Adrian Birrell will assist the new coach © Getty Images

Steindl will be assisted by former Ireland coach Adrian Birrell, who becomes Scotland’s coaching consultant and will have planning and tactical input.

Birrell stood down as Ireland coach in April following a World Cup campaign in which his Ireland side beat full international sides Pakistan and Bangladesh.

He said: “I am delighted to be involved again in top-class cricket after my short break.

"The offer to work on a consultancy basis with the Scotland team is a great opportunity to assist a national team on a part-time basis.”

Cricket Scotland’s head of cricket Andy Tennant will coach the Scotland A side and develop the strategy which Scotland hope will see the national team become a force in one-day cricket.

The target is for Scotland to break into the top 10 nations in the one-day game.

Cricket Scotland chief executive Roddy Smith said: “We believe our new structure is appropriate to our needs and will be staffed by a high quality team.

“As a group, Peter, Adrian and Andy meet our desired needs in terms of qualifications, experience and knowledge of the Scottish system.”

Steindl’s first match in charge will be the four-day ICC Intercontinental Cup clash with Namibia, starting on April 4. Scotland will also take on New Zealand and England next summer.