HARARE, Sept 4: Former West Indies all-rounder Phil Simmons has been appointed coach of Zimbabwe cricket team for this month's ICC Champions Trophy in England.

Simmons first challenge is to get pass hosts England and then high-flying Sri Lankan side that just whitewashed South Africa 5-0.

Simmons was formerly coach at youth academy in Harare, but has now taken on a far more demanding task. He is taking a realistic view of his side's chances.

"I think you've got to use what you have and what we have on our side is enthusiasm and hunger for playing the game," Simmons said.

"Limited-overs cricket is about what you do on the day, and we could be exceptionally good, so I think we have a chance. But I hope that win or lose, we learn something from it."

Australian Geoff Marsh was due to coach Zimbabwe at ICC Champions Trophy, but he is now seeing out his contract by looking after A-Team until end of month.

Zimbabwe Cricket has been through a turbulent period that saw 15 white players turn their backs on international cricket, although three have since returned to the fold.

The team was accused of damaging integrity of Test cricket when a makeshift side suffered innings defeats in two-match home series against Sri Lanka in May.

Zimbabwe resumes Test cricket in January with away series in Bangladesh, and defeats would give more ammunition to their critics.

Simmons' challenge has been eased a little by return of three "rebels" who have signed new contracts - Barney Rogers, Charles Coventry and Gavin Ewing.

In reality, it looks unlikely that any of senior white players will return, but Simmons is still happy with the team he has now.

"The spirit in this team has been awesome, we lost all of games against India-A and South Africa-A, but guys learnt a lot, and they're enthusiastic about everything.-PPI