Kirsten brothers' tryst with cricket coaching

Dubai: While the exploits of brothers have always been a favourite topic of cricketing folklore - from the Waughs to Pathans in recent times - it's rare to have them taking on coaching assignments at the same time.

It's a busy time in the Kirsten household as Gary, now the Indian coach, squares up for what is going to be the most high profile Test series in recent times against Australia, while elder brother Peter will be pursuing the same vocation quietly in another part of the world.

From today, Peter Kirsten will try and help Jersey, a tiny island between England and France, with a population of barely 90,000, try and take the next step on the road to qualification for the 2011 World Cup. Jersey will be joined by Afghanistan, Fiji, Hong Kong, Italy and hosts Tanzania for a tournament that involves 18 matches over eight days.

If Peter Kirsten's team can qualify for the next round in the ICC World Cricket League Division 4 in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, then that would take the island side closer to a potential meeting with Kenya, coached by another brother, Andy Kirsten, in the World Cup qualifier in April next year.

Same basics

For that to happen, Jersey will have to finish among the top two there - a feat that will send them to the Division 3 event next January. They will then be one step away from the 12-team qualifier featuring the likes of Canada, Kenya and Scotland.

"He [Gary] might be preparing to take on the might of Australia, but he hasn't got any victories against the US, Singapore and Guernsey," Peter told the ICC website in zest.

"We always compare notes. Gary had a great Test career and he has age on his side. It is a fabulous opportunity for him coaching India.

"It is a hugely different level of cricket but the basics remain the same - you're still batting, bowling and fielding."

While his focus will very much be on helping Jersey through this tournament, he will also have one eye on the challenges that await Gary.

"It is a big series for him. He hasn't won a Test series for India yet. They drew with South Africa and they lost the series in Sri Lanka, although they took the ODI series, but knowing him like I do, I know he would like to have a good series win at home," he added.