Former Zimbabwe skipper Heath Streak has succeeded Dav Whatmore as Zimbabwe’s head coach. Whatmore was sacked in June this year after a disappointing performance from the African team in the World T20.

Former South African fast bowler Mkhaya Ntini was appointed as the interim coach after Whatmore’s sacking and coached the team during the limited-overs’ series against India and Test series against New Zealand. Ntini was Zimbabwe’s bowling coach before being appointed the interim coach and is expected to retain his former role. Ntini’s compatriot and former all-rounder Lance Klusener will continue as the batting coach of the team.

Streak, who played 65 Tests and 189 Tests for Zimbabwe, was given the job ahead of former team-mate Andy Blignaut and South Africans Peter Kirsten and Justin Summons, who were all interviewed for the job last week. He has been given the responsibility of ensuring Zimbabwe’s qualification for the 2019 World Cup.

Coaching will not be a new experience for the Zimbabwe great. He was the coach of Matabeleland Tuskers in the 2012-13 season and led them to glory in the Logan Cup. He was also Zimbabwe’s bowling coach between 2009 and 2013. After that, he was appointed as the bowling coach of Bangladesh in 2014 before moving to the Indian Premier League as the bowling coach of Gujarat Lions. Despite the role with Zimbabwe, Streak will be allowed to continue in his role as bowling coach for the IPL team.

Streak’s first assignment will be a two-Test series against Sri Lanka followed by an ODI tri-series which include West Indies. The Test series will start from October 29.