NZC does the Wright thing

Former India coach takes over from Greatbatch for Pakistan series

Former India cricket coach John Wright has replaced Mark Greatbatch as New Zealands national coach as New Zealand Cricket attempts to stem one of its worst international losing streaks. Captain Daniel Vettori has also been stripped of some of his selection powers in restructuring announced Monday.

New Zealands 4-0 series loss to Bangladesh and 5-0 defeat to India took to 11 its losing streak in one-day internationals,approaching its record 13 straight losses in the mid-1990s. New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said New Zealands recent win-loss record was unacceptable. The changes being made are a direct result of that process, he said.

Vaughan said Greatbatch would chair an independent selection panel which would include former New Zealand cricketers Glenn Turner and Lance Cairns. Wright and Vettori would have a say in the selection process but Vettori will no longer hold a place on the selection panel. Greatbatch will also remain batting coach within New Zealand Crickets high-performance programme. Wright will take over the role immediately ahead of New Zealands home series against Pakistan which begins with a Twenty20 match on December 26. The teams will meet in two Tests,three Twenty20s and six one-day matches.

Will help rediscover form: Wright

Vettori had wanted Wright to be involved with the team for some time and was supportive of the changes,Vaughan said. The Otago Daily Times quoted Wright as very excited to be given the job,but acknowledged it would be a great challenge to coach the team to winning form. I look at,particularly the one day team,and if it plays to its potential its a very,very good side,and that excites me actually. But the trick is to help the players find that consistency and help them to rediscover that form,that confidence.

The coaching support staff would also be stripped-back as part of the restructure,which suited Wright. I like close,tight teams Ive always felt that everyone has to be busy and active. You dont want to get in the way of players,it8217;s really important that players have space and can simplify and concentrate on what they have to do,which is playing. I8217;ve always favoured less rather than more, Wright told the paper.