Zimbabwe name Dave Houghton as head coach in reshuffle

Meanwhile, Lance Klusener has re-joined Zimbabwe's backroom staff as a batting coach

Dave Houghton has been named as the new head coach of Zimbabwe's men's team.

He replaces Lalchand Rajput as part of a reshuffle, with Rajput – whose contract was extended in March by Zimbabwe Cricket – taking on a new role as technical director.

Houghton, who became Zimbabwe's first Test captain during his playing career, previously coached his country during the 1990s. He is expected to be in place before next month's T20 World Cup Qualifier, which is due to take place on home soil.

"We are delighted to be bringing in Dave and we count ourselves fortunate and privileged to be able to appoint such a vastly experienced and highly respected head coach at a time we are looking to improve our on-field performances," said Hamilton Masakadza, the governing body's director of cricket."

He added: "I would also like to thank Lalchand who has been in charge of the team for the past four years, an incredibly challenging period for our cricket. He will continue to be involved in our game as technical director and will provide invaluable support to the team."

^{Lalchand Rajput has been moved into a new role (Simon Paina/AFP via Getty Images)}

Meanwhile, Lance Klusener has re-joined Zimbabwe's backroom staff as a batting coach, having recently completed a stint as Afghanistan's head coach. The addition of a bowling coach is said to be in the final stages.

Houghton arrives on the back of a dual role as coaching manager for Zimbabwe Cricket and head coach at Mountaineers, the provincial team. Beforehand, he was Derbyshire's head of cricket.

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