Cricket: Glenn Turner bids for Black Caps selector post

Glenn Turner looks likely to give the New Zealand cricket selection panel the batting expertise it has supposedly been lacking.

The former batting great yesterday reconfirmed his interest in a selector's job, with nominations for the next two-year term closing on May 13.

If chosen for the probable four-man panel under convener and national coach John Bracewell, it would be a remarkable turnaround in Turner's fortunes after his public falling out with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) under former chief executive Christopher Doig a decade ago.

Appointed by an outgoing regime chaired by Peter McDermott, Turner was both national coach and convener of the selection panel 10 years ago.

But several clashes with players, notably leading allrounder Chris Cairns, led to his being replaced as coach by Australian Steve Rixon and Ross Dykes recalled as convener of selectors.

Turner yesterday said he felt well placed to provide in-depth feedback on players around the first-class scene in New Zealand after stepping down following four years coaching Otago.

"I would think the right time to become involved is now while the players are still fresh in the mind not after having had a break," Turner said.

"I've still got a very keen interest and intend doing a professional job."

Turner's credentials cannot be ignored. He has long been regarded as one of the game's most astute analysts following a lengthy international playing career.

He coached New Zealand side during a successful reign in the mid-to-late 1980s before returning for the controversial term in 1995-96.

Turner said that Bracewell was in charge and had the final say on team selection and that, if chosen as a selector, he would provide ideas and be a sounding board.

During last summer's series rout by Australia, former New Zealand player and broadcaster Ian Smith noted that none of the incumbent four-man panel -- Bracewell, Dykes, Sir Richard Hadlee and Brian McKechnie -- had been a specialist batsmen and that the panel lacked balance.

- nzpa