Kevin Curran is poised to succeed West Indian Phil Simmons as coach of the struggling Zimbabwe team.

Curran, 45, said he had been told the previous day he would take over from former West Indies [Images] Test player Simmons.

"I want to organise a couple of one-day practice matches in Harare, just to get the guys ready for the triangular series," Curran said.

However, Zimbabwe Cricket managing director Ozias Bvute refused to confirm Curran's appointment.

"Kevin is an integral member of our coaching staff and he will continue to be used," Bvute told Reuters by telephone from Harare.

"But I can't confirm he is the new national coach."

Simmons was appointed coach in September, 2004, and presided over Test and one-day series losses to Bangladesh in February as well as Zimbabwe's defeat in two days in the opening Test against New Zealand [Images] earlier this month.

All rounder Simmons played 26 tests and 143 one-day internationals for West Indies between 1987 and 1999.

Curran represented his country in 11 one-day internationals, mainly at the 1983 and 1987 World Cup tournaments.

He also played for Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire.

Curran has held various positions in the Zimbabwe coaching structure and is currently director of the national academy. He coaches the Zimbabwe A and national under-19 team.

Zimbabwe are scheduled to face New Zealand and India in a triangular tournament after their two-Test home series against New Zealand.