Hamish Marshall wants a return to international cricket

Former New Zealand batsman Hamish Marshall is set to join Ireland as a player and coach.

The 31-year-old Gloucestershire player has an average of 38.35 in 13 Test matches and he also made 66 one-day appearances for the Kiwis.

Marshall is an Irish passport holder and will be eligible to represent Ireland from April 2011.

"I love playing county cricket and plan to do so for some time yet - however, I miss international cricket," he said.

"Being an Irish passport holder, there's hopefully an opportunity to combine both with Ireland," added Marshall.

"There's the added attraction of getting involved on the coaching side of things, which is important as I look to my future."

Marshall has played a total of 138 first-class matches, scoring a total of 7,825 runs at an average of 35.89, including 18 centuries.

We would intend to make use of his talent not just on the field, but within all our coaching structures Phil Simmons

His eligibility for Ireland next year is subject to approval from the International Cricket Council.

Marshall is a team-mate of current Ireland captain William Porterfield at Gloucestershire.

Ireland coach Phil Simmons aims to take full advantage of Marshall's abilities.

"It would be a great boost for Irish cricket to have a player of the calibre of Hamish Marshall available," he said.

"We would intend to make use of his talent not just on the field, but within all our coaching structures.

"It's our plan to have Hamish involved with our youth, women's and elite squads, and that can only be good for Irish cricket."

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