Cricket: Wright priority for NZC

John Wright has been a success. Photo / Ross Setford

Incoming New Zealand Cricket chief executive David White has been told to sign up his old relief science teacher from Gisborne Boys' High School as coach of the Black Caps.

The fact that the old teacher is current coach John Wright should put to bed any doubts that Wright's contract might be under question. It's understood White has been given authority to re-sign Wright as a priority.

Wright is believed to earn a figure of at least $200,000 per annum under his current contract which ceases after the West Indies tour in August.

He has control of selection and ultimate accountability for the team's direction - and any future deal is expected to include or extend such clauses, with the proviso Wright will stay in the job until the 2015 World Cup. Added to such incentives is the fact the next tournament will be held in Australasia; a chance to shine on the world stage at home.

Any Wright salary demands are not expected to pose a problem, nor is acceding selection powers to him, such is the ambition of NZC to secure further stability and progress for the national side. Pragmatism and flexibility are the watchwords, given how the achievements of the current team have captivated the public imagination.

White will report back to the NZC board on the issue in the coming weeks. A decision involving a piece of paper, a couple of signatures and big rubber stamp is the most likely outcome, but the earliest it is expected is after the South Africa series. The only problems could occur if Wright decides to play hardball and renewal discussions extend into winter.

In NZC's favour is the fact Wright had long sought the job, going back to when he was coaching Kent in 1999; he applied then after Steve Rixon's tenure.

Beyond the laidback veneer is a steely determination to reap further success and Wright's CV with the New Zealand team has been well-documented since taking the coaching role in December 2010. He mentored the team to its first test win over Australia in 18 years and secured New Zealand's first qualification for a World Cup semifinal on the sub-continent. Of less pomp but worthy nonetheless have been home and away test and one-day series wins over Zimbabwe.

The 57-year-old has earned the right to have NZC chasing his signature but it comes with the responsibility of trekking New Zealand back up the world rankings.

Wright also has the job of motivating his charges ahead of a tough test series against South Africa. If the Proteas secure a 3-0 result, they go to the top of the world rankings; if New Zealand get a drawn series or better, they overleap the West Indies into seventh.

Wright may keep his suitors waiting until the end of the South African series but there would have to be some drastic losses for the strength of his position to slump.