Whatmore confirmed as Zim coach

Zimbabwe Cricket has appointed Australia's former international Dav Whatmore as national coach ahead of the 2015 World Cup, a top union official announced Tuesday.

Whatmore replaces Stephen Mangongo who was fired less than two weeks ago over the national side's poor showing during a recent tour of Bangladesh.

"His initial assignment is to see us through to the World Cup," Wilson Manase, Zimbabwe Cricket chairman said, "and thereafter we shall work out another long term contract."

"He has a wealth of experience at the highest level of coaching."

Whatmore, 60, who has previously coached Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, will be assisted by former Zimbabwe international Douglas Hondo who will also be the bowling coach, Manase said.