BBC SPORT | Cricket | Brown relishing Namibia challenge

Warwickshire all-rounder Dougie Brown is jetting off to sunnier climes this winter to coach Namibia in preparation for next year's World Cup.

The African side qualified for February's limited overs tournament when they beat Scotland in the ICC Trophy in Canada in July 2001.

Namibia qualify for World Cup

Ironically, the 32-year-old Brown is a Scot but he is delighted to be kicking off his first major coaching role with Namibia.

"It's a shame Scotland aren't there - it would be lovely to be in that environment - but opportunities come in different guises," he said.

"It'll be brilliant for me and hopefully coaching is what I'll look to do when I finish playing cricket. It's a great starting point."

Brown was offered the job on the recommendation of Warwickshire coach, and ICC performance director, Bob Woolmer, when the vacancy came up following Eric Simons' move to coach South Africa.

We're on a hiding to nothing but one or two performances will boost everyone

Dougie Brown

His coaching experience runs to winters spent at the Edgbaston indoor centre and at local schools but Brown is also studying for a level four coaching qualification.

"Some might say it's the blind leading the blind but I don't see it like that," said Brown.

"Technically they are quite a reasonable side but tactically they're limited and that's one of the areas I can embrace and help prepare for the World Cup."

But Brown is under no illusions as to their chances in the World Cup in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

"The people in Namibia are expecting to win the World Cup, so I'll have to quash that straight away," he said.

Namibian paceman Burton Van Rooi
Paceman Burton van Rooi sank Scotland's World Cup chances

"I'm not saying for one minute we can go over there and upset anybody.

"But if we can have one or two players have exceptional performances against some of the bigger teams, and as long as the guys learn something from the World Cup, it will be a great achievement."

Brown admitted a realistic goal for Namibia was to beat fellow minnows Holland in their group match in what he considered to be the final for his side.

"The Netherlands have really struggled on the international stage in the ICC Champions Trophy in Colombo so we're going to have to learn very fast," said Brown.

"But if facing the likes of facing Brett Lee and Shoaib Akhtar doesn't inspire you to do well then perhaps you never will.

"We're on a hiding to nothing but one or two performances will boost everyone."


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