NZ Cricket announce new selection system

Mark Greatbatch will operate as Acting National Selection Manager. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand Cricket has today announced a new national selection system which includes the creation of a National Selection Manager.

The new role will be full-time and responsible for men's and women's international cricket from Under 19's through to Black Caps and White Ferns.

The NSM will be supported by a system which provides for close consultation with all Head Coaches of New Zealand teams and Major Association Head Coaches.

NZC Director of Cricket John Buchanan said the new way of operating sees the Head Coach given responsibility for final team selection and allows for greater accountability when it comes to performance.

"It is my experience it is important to streamline the number of people who impact on team decisions and team dynamics," said Buchanan.

"We have therefore sought to simplify the selection process to ensure greater consistency of selections, feedback and integration of playing pathways from youth, through first class to international cricket.

"The National Selection Manager would operate with the Head Coach to form a 'two man selection panel', with the Head Coach of the team having the final say on debated decisions.

"A large part of the role will be liaising with our first-class coaches and assessing their views on the leading players in our domestic competitions as well as consulting with high performance staff, cricket stakeholders and of course the captain.

"It is a challenging role that requires the skills of a highly organised individual with great cricket knowledge and who is respected among the cricket fraternity."

New Zealand Cricket CEO Justin Vaughan acknowledged the significant contribution of the previous National Selection Panel.

"While NZC has chosen to move away from a traditional National Selection Panel in favour of a new system, it is important to recognise the selectors over the past years have done a great job," said Vaughan.

"The new system introduced by John Buchanan was supported and approved by the NZC Board."

New Zealand Cricket will conduct a robust national search for the National Selection Manager, with advertising due to commence in the near future.

Mark Greatbatch, who until recently chaired the National Selection Panel, will operate as Acting National Selection Manager to oversee activity in this area until a permanent appointment is made. This will include overseeing the selection of the 2011-12 contract list.

- NZPA