Online Reporter
Brandon Moyo, Zimpapers Sports Hub
FORMER Zimbabwe fast bowler Douglas Hondo has taken up a new chapter in his coaching career after joining English County side Essex County Cricket Club’s technical team as the men’s bowling coach.
Hondo joins the club in a permanent role as Essex Men’s Fast Bowling Coach after previously spending time with the squad on a temporary basis during the 2025 season, a stint that helped shape the club’s long-term thinking.
He slots into a coaching group led by Director of Cricket Chris Silverwood and working alongside Men’s Batting Coach Tom Huggins, Academy Director and Men’s Second XI Head Coach Barry Hyam, as well as Men’s High Performance Coach Mark Pettini.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join Essex and to start this exciting new journey. From day one last summer, I was impressed by the culture, the passion, and the potential within the group.
“I am truly excited about the prospects ahead and the chance to work with such a skilful group of bowlers and I am also looking forward to working with a talented set of Academy bowlers who continue to show hunger to learn and grow.
“When I saw the position became available, it was a no-brainer for me — I had to be part of the family. I value the warm welcome and the trust placed in me. I am looking forward to pushing standards and contributing to a future filled with growth, success, and unforgettable moments. I’m proud to be joining Essex and ready to get stuck in,” said Hondo.
As a young pace bowler in his formative years, Hondo sharpened his craft at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, where he trained under former Australian fast bowler Dennis Lillee, an experience that shaped his approach to fast bowling.
His strong domestic displays earned him a Test debut in September 2001 against South Africa in Harare, before he followed that up with his One Day International debut a month later against England, also in Harare.
Across nine Test appearances, Hondo claimed 21 wickets, with his standout performance being figures of 6/59 from 22 overs against Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2005. In 56 ODIs, he collected 61 wickets, recording best figures of 4/37 against India in Kochi in 2002.
Beyond his bowling numbers, Hondo built a reputation as an athletic fielder with an infectious personality. After retiring from professional cricket, he transitioned into coaching, earning a Level 3 coaching qualification through Cricket Australia and later an ECB Level 4, working with teams in England and New Zealand, as well as serving a lengthy spell as Zimbabwe Men’s Bowling Coach.
On appointing Hondo, Director of Cricket Silverwood, who has previously worked with the former Chevrons bowler, said,
“We are delighted to welcome Dougie to the Club on a permanent basis.
“I worked with him back in Zimbabwe many years ago at Mashonaland, when he was my assistant, and more recently over the summer when he joined us temporarily during the County Championship and One Day Cup.
“Throughout the summer, he bonded really well with the lads and consistently demonstrated exactly what we were looking for in a Men’s Bowling Coach.
“Hondo has the exact skill set we are looking for, and alongside his great character, he will be the perfect addition to our staff.
“I am delighted he has agreed terms to join my elite group of staff, and I look forward to catching up with him over the winter as we prepare the squad for the 2026 season.”
