New Zealand installed former Test captain John Wright as Black Caps head coach Monday, handing him the formidable task of lifting the team's woeful form ahead of next year's World Cup. Outgoing coach Mark Greatbatch paid the price for the Black Caps' run of 11 successive one-day international defeats, with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) hoping Wright can emulate his success in charge of India from 2000-2005.
New Zealand also appointed a three-man independent selection panel, relieving captain Daniel Vettori of selection duties amid fears his dual roles within the team had become too much of a burden. NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said the changes followed a comprehensive review after the Black Caps returned from India this month, where they were thrashed 5-0 by the host nation in the one-day series.
That followed a 4-0 one-day drubbing in Bangladesh, the supposed minnows' first clean-sweep against a major team, which New Zealand media described as a new low for cricket in the country. Vaughan said the changes "should make a real difference" but Wright will have less than two months to turn around the national side's fortunes before the World Cup starting on February 19.
Wright, 56, a former opening batsman for New Zealand, is credited with laying the foundations for India's current success during his time with the subcontinental powerhouse. Vaughan said Wright would being his new role immediately, preparing for a home series against Pakistan which begins with a Twenty20 match in Auckland on December 26. Vaughan said Greatbatch would remain as batting coach and head of the selection panel, which also includes former Test players Lance Cairns and Glenn Turner.
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