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Is Phil Simmons about to leave his role with Ireland? Julien Behal
Howzat?

Could the Irish cricket team soon have an Ashes and World Twenty20 winning coach in charge?

Cricket Ireland has confirmed current boss Phil Simmons is in talks with the West Indies.

JUST DAYS AFTER Ireland’s World Cup exit, Cricket Ireland has confirmed that Phil Simmons is in talks with the West Indies Cricket Board to take over as head coach of their national team.

The Trinidadian, who played 26 Tests and nearly 150 one-day internationals for the West Indies, is contracted to Ireland until September 2015. However, this afternoon Cricket Ireland confirmed to The42 that they were aware that Simmons was in talks with the WICB.

If those talks prove successful, it is believed he will be unveiled by his new side in time for the start of their three-Test series with England on 13 April.

The Windies have been without a coach since Ottis Gibson was removed in December and are playing at the World Cup with Stuart Williams in temporary charge.

The 51-year old has been involved with Ireland for eight years and oversaw victory over his probable new side in their Pool B opener only to see Ireland lose out on the quarter-finals on net run rate.

However, while the loss of Simmons is obviously disappointing for players and fans, The42 understands both Andy Flower and Mark Garaway could be in the running to replace Simmons.

Flower enjoyed success at both Test and one-day level with England, winning the Ashes, the World Twenty20 and taking his team to number one in the world during his time in charge.

Garaway is a former Hampshire cricketer who has previously served as performance director for Cricket Ireland.

Additional reporting by Ryan Bailey.

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