HARARE, Zimbabwe (CMC) - Former West Indies' batsman Phil Simmons could be replaced as Zimbabwe's head coach, following the side's innings and 294-run defeat to New Zealand inside two days, in the opening Test of a two-match series earlier this week.

SIMMONS... may lose job as coach after Zimbabwe's poor performance against New Zealand.

According to the Zimbabwe Independent newspaper, Simmons' position has been under discussion by the country's cricket authorities especially after the nightmare at the Harare Sports Club on Monday when Zimbabwe were bowled out twice in one day.

"Phil is finding it difficult to get the message across to the players. He has not added any value to the team at all and, actually, the young players have got worse since he took over," a cricket official, who requested anonymity, was quoted as saying.

"We need someone with good work ethics, and we certainly need to find a better coach from somewhere. Phil is a good coach, but Zimbabwe Cricket overrated his ability, and he has been found wanting at this level of cricket.

"It seems that he cannot identify the problem with the team. He is relaxed, neither him nor any member of his team management has come to Zimbabwe Cricket to ask for anything or any assistance. We just assume that everything is well in the team."

Dean du Plessis, a local cricket commentator, has also criticised Simmons, saying he lacked the qualifications to coach the Zimbabwe side.

"Phil did a good job with the Under-19s and the academy. But he does not have hardness to coach at Test level," du Plessis argued.

"He's a happy sort of guy, a gentle giant. He likes to socialise with everyone. There is nothing wrong with that, but that is one of his major weaknesses. He lacks the ability to discipline his players. He has simply not adjusted well as a Test coach."

He added: "I think we need to speak to one of our local guys because they know the players better than the foreign guys. But we do not have such coaches in Zimbabwe at the moment.

"So we need to engage our local guys who are no longer living in Zimbabwe, the likes of Andy Pycroft and Dave Houghton. But we all know that is not going to happen."

However, Zimbabwe Cricket's managing director Ozias Bvute stopped short of confirming his association's intention to replace Simmons, saying they were assessing the first Test performance with the view of improving the team's fortunes.

"It's obviously important that we introspect to enable us to do better. Our intention is never to go into a match with the desire to lose," Bvute said.

"The coach and the captain have obviously spoken to the team with the intention of making sure a repeat of the first Test will not occur. We shall look into consulting widely to ensure all our structures are adequately improved so that our performance reaches the expectations of our fans and spectators alike."

The 42-year old Simmons, who played 26 Tests and 143 One Day Internationals for the West Indies, was appointed coach last May replacing Australian Geoff Marsh.

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