Cricket: Moles confirmed as Black Caps coach

New Zealand Cricket have confirmed Andy Moles will coach the Blacks Caps on their tour to the UAE. Photo / Paul Estcourt

New Zealand Cricket has moved swiftly to confirm Andy Moles' position as Black Caps coach in the wake of a newspaper report that players want him sacked.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan reaffirmed Moles as the head coach, and said he is preparing the side for the forthcoming tour to the United Arab Emirates.

"Following the Black Caps' return from Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy we are undertaking a review of the team's performance," Vaughan said.

"This looks at all aspects of individual and collective performance with a view to continuous improvement."

The Dominion Post, without naming any players, said that senior members of the Black Caps did not think Englishman Moles, 48, was up to the job.

It said that skipper Daniel Vettori had effectively been coaching the team for the past six months.

The paper said the players believed Moles had not provided them with an acceptable level of tactical or technical support, either first-hand or by bringing in respected specialist coaches.

They took their concerns to New Zealand Cricket's (NZC) attention when the Black Caps returned from the Champions Trophy in South Africa and talks were underway.

Moles, Vettori and New Zealand Cricket Players' Association boss, Heath Mills did not return calls from the newspaper last night to respond to those claims.

The Black Caps head to Dubai later this week for a series of limited overs matches against Pakistan.

- NZ HERALD STAFF, NZPA