Cricket: Meet the new boss

Mark Greatbatch. Photo / Getty Images

He could have been a corporate high-flyer, a brewery boss or even a public relations genius but Mark Greatbatch has settled for Black Caps head coach for now.

The 46-year-old will at least put a small paw on the reins of the New Zealand cricket side for the remainder of the summer, bringing an extensive period of head-scratching to an end following Andy Moles' departure in October. Greatbatch will focus on batting but will also work in a support role to captain and fellow-selector Daniel Vettori.

He is contracted until after the World Cup in the subcontinent in February next year. The rest of the coaching and management team remains the same.

Greatbatch was initially cold to the idea of head coach when he told the Herald on Sunday in November: "I'm enjoying what I'm doing at the moment with selection. I've also got another role with New Zealand Cricket mentoring and coaching a few of the youngsters."

NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan also said then he wouldn't be trying to change Greatbatch's mind: "He's been doing a fill-in role and has contributed well since the team went away [to the United Arab Emirates], but I don't think coaching the team would suit him. He has a young family and wants to spend time with them, which is entirely understandable."

Greatbatch says the change of heart is mainly because the 'new' role barely differs from the old one while Vaughan says they decided to pursue him after positive player feedback.

"His recent elevation onto the selection panel has been a success, and he's received praise for his communication and honesty," Vaughan said.

"He will maintain his selectorial responsibilities."

Vettori effectively remains atop the Black Caps' power pyramid, something Greatbatch is comfortable with.

"We've already had excellent discussions on where we're heading," he said.

"I think I've been a good sounding board. He's told me he still wants help with tactics so we'll learn from situations good, bad or indifferent. I'll also work on improving batsmen in all forms, which includes involving John Wright and Martin Crowe where I can."

Coaching a national cricket team didn't appear to be on Greatbatch's initial list of possible vocations. Many of his former team-mates felt he was destined for a life as a corporate high-flyer, brewery boss or involved in public relations.

"For a lot of former players, cricket is all we know," says former Black Caps fast bowler Danny Morrison.

"But Mark always knew how to schmooze with corporate types, be it out at the races or at the tennis. He was an incredible networker, just loved going out to dinners.

"He'll be genuine, infectious and passionate in his new role. He used to get so fired up on the field with big diving catches and a willingness to get peppered as an opener just to fill a spot in the side when the middle order was strong.

"He was also the first to congratulate a bowler when a wicket was taken... so he could get himself in the historical photo."

Morrison roomed with Greatbatch during his legendary 146 not out, scored in a shade under 11 hours, to save the test against Australia in Perth in 1989. That well-known grit will also be a reason for his selection; a constant reminder to current personnel of what can be achieved in a black cap.

As an unabashed patriot, Greatbatch agrees it helps to have played in the national side, unlike Moles.

"Hopefully I can put some of my experiences to use, not in an I-did-it-this-way manner but more about listening, contributing and letting players solve their own problems where possible," he said.

Greatbatch has previously coached the New Zealand under-19s and Central Districts but acknowledges there have also been low points, like resigning two years into a three-year Warwickshire contract after they were relegated from the county championship and Pro40 League.

"It was a good learning experience but tough at times, trying to develop players," he says.

Greatbatch was described in the Birmingham Post in September 2007 as being "stung by criticism, hurt by failure and confused by the lack of reward for hishard work".

The newspaper also accused him of "misfiring man-management that led to so many ructions within the dressing-room" as well as a distrust of flair.

That conclusion differs from the type of player who opened the batting in the 1992 World Cup and had the temerity to put the West Indies' Curtly Ambrose on the roof of Eden Park on the way to a victory.

Those who supported Wright's credentials will be appeased to know he'll be spending regular time with the team. That starts when he reports to NZC barracks on Monday to spend a month in the trenches conditioning Jesse Ryder.

Greatbatch played plenty of his cricket with Wright and is demanding he dust off his tracksuit for national duty.

"Wrighty and I have similar philosophies on cricket and I enjoy his company."

For his part, Wright was quick to congratulate his former team-mate but is understood to be disappointed to miss out on a head coach role.

He had wanted the job on his terms, but that didn't fit in with the demands of NZC.

That means he'll be considering his overseas options in the future, although the now-vacant South African job is expected to be snapped up by Corrie van Zyl, who has replaced Mickey Arthur in the interim.