Former Windies all-rounder Simmons is Afghan coach

AFP: Former West Indies all-rounder Phil Simmons has been appointed coach of Afghanistan as the country prepares for its first Test match, it was announced Sunday.

The war-torn nation was awarded Test status in June, along with Ireland. The appointment was announced on Twitter by the Afghanistan Cricket Board. The former opening batsman and medium-fast bowler, who retired in 2002, had previous coaching spells with Zimbabwe, Ireland and the West Indies.

Simmons will now join the Afghanistan squad in Dubai as it prepares for a limited-overs series against Zimbabwe in Sharjah in February. 

Afghanistan will play their first Test match against India, where they play the majority of their home games, although a date has yet to be announced.