Cricket: Strang stays with winning Auckland

Paul Strang. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland cricket coach Paul Strang has been reappointed for a further two years after a successful campaign last season.

The former Zimbabwe allrounder guided Auckland to wins in the HRV Cup T20 competition and the national one-day tournament.

The T20 victory secured Auckland's place as New Zealand's representatives in the Champions League, to be staged in India in September-October.

Two seasons ago, Auckland won the Plunket Shield, with Strang taking over from Mark O'Donnell for the second half of the campaign.

Auckland made both limited-overs finals in the 2009-10 season, so Strang's strike rate has been good, but he was quick to praise those around him.

"In many ways this is a reflection of the players, their faith in the whole system, and it's working," he said. "I've had a good team and good sports staff and getting the job again is a little bit of testament to how well everyone has worked."

Strang acknowledged having success in the three versions of the game was not easy.

Despite the limited-overs success, Auckland were poor in the four-day Plunket Shield this year, finishing a distant last.

"It is tricky getting a balance in a squad for all seasons. In some ways, winning competitions is the end product of growing players and getting good structures in place. That is what I set my goals on doing."

Auckland Cricket boss Andrew Eade is pleased to have Strang on board again.

"We're delighted with the way he has developed in the role in the last two years," Eade said.

"We think he's got a great future as coach and we're glad we've retained his services for another two years."

There is stability at three of the other five major associations.

Former international Grant Bradburn has completed the third year of a five-year deal and is staying put. Bob Carter, who steered Canterbury to the Plunket Shield last summer, has been reappointed for another two years.

Alan Hunt is staying with Central Districts, having completed the first half of a two-year deal.

The two provinces with vacancies are Wellington and Otago.

The former Bangladesh coach, Australian Jamie Siddons, has been linked with the Wellington job. He would be replacing another Australian, Anthony Stuart, who was moved on after another disappointing campaign. Mike Hesson has resigned as Otago coach after six seasons, leaving a tempting hole for an ambitious coach to fill.

david.leggat@nzherald.co.nz