Cricket: New Black Caps coach appointed

Former NZ batsman Mark Greatbatch (inset) has joined the Black Caps coaching team. Photos / Getty Images

Cricket New Zealand has appointed Mark Greatbatch as Black Caps coach, ahead of the team's series against Bangladesh.

The former New Zealand opening batsman joins the existing coaching team of Mark ODonnell and Shane Jurgensen. He will take particular responsibility for developing batting performance within the team. Daniel Vettori will continue his involvement in the selection of the team, team tactics and strategy.

New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan says a lot of thought went into the appointment and a number of high-profile international options were considered. He says Greatbatch joins a motivated team.

"Over the past 12 months the Black Caps team, under the captaincy of Daniel Vettori, has made significant advances in terms of developing a culture of individual accountability. I know Mark is strongly supportive of the way the team has progressed and will complement Daniel well."

Vaughan says Mark Greatbatch is highly respected in cricketing circles both in New Zealand and internationally.

"Our experiences with Mark have been consistently good. His recent elevation onto the national selection panel has been viewed as an outstanding success, and he has received overwhelming praise for his communication and honesty with players and coaches."

Vaughan believes Greatbatch will fit into the current team environment very well.

"He will maintain his selectorial responsibilities, as well as providing specialist batting coaching and acting as a sounding-board to the captain over game tactics. It is really a continuation of the role he played successfully during the team's tour to the UAE."

Greatbatch says there is a real desire for success within the current Black Caps unit and some very talented individuals.

"I believe that I can make a very positive contribution to the team and to the batting unit in particular."

Daniel Vettori says Greatbatch's appointment is exciting and a chance to continue building the current momentum within the team.

- NEWSTALK ZB