Cricket: New Black Caps structure

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) today confirmed a new management and support staff structure for the Black Caps.

Changes have been made after a review following the recent tour of India, including the naming of John Wright as coach as replacement for Mark Greatbatch.

The Black Caps lost a one-day series 0-4 in Bangladesh, before succumbing 0-5 in India, taking to 11 the consecutive number of one-day internationals lost.

NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan today said the new structure centred on Wright's appointment.

There would be a degree of continuity in support staff with Trent Woodhill assistant coach, Dave Currie team manager, and Bryan Stronach team trainer.

"New Zealand Cricket network coaches Paul Wiseman and James Pamment will support John Wright for the Twenty20 series with Trent Woodhill unavailable due to illness," Vaughan said.

Dayle Shackel, who has been working with NZC but who last travelled with the Black Caps in 2008, will rejoin as physiotherapist, replacing Kate Stalker.

As expected, performance director Roger Mortimer will not tour with the team, but continue to work with NZC.

Mortimer was appointed performance director in May, with Vaughan saying at the time that there was a "real benefit" in harnessing his experience in other sporting areas.

He had guided cyclist Sarah Ulmer and triathlete Hamish Carter to Olympic glory.

Greatbatch will chair an independent selection panel containing Glenn Turner and new appointment Lance Cairns.

"I am positive the changes outlined will act as a great stimulus to improve performance for the Black Caps," Vaughan said.

"I am hopeful the Auckland cricketing public will get out and support the team on Boxing Day for the T20 international against Pakistan."

The panel has met and yesterday named its first squads, for the three Twenty20 internationals and two test matches against Pakistan.

The first Twenty20 match is at Auckland on Sunday.

- NZPA