Cricket: Search goes offshore for NZC manager

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is looking overseas in their search for a new operations manager.

John F. Reid left the Lincoln-based position to join Sparc and NZC has hired an Australian firm to help find a replacement.

Chief executive Martin Snedden said NZC had hired Sportspeople, a firm specialising in specialist sports recruitment, to "ensure we get coverage, particularly in Australia".

NZC is also website advertising in England and South Africa.

Snedden did not rule out the successful applicant coming from New Zealand but was keen to get the best-qualified person, whatever the nationality.

Although it was preferable, Snedden said the person need not have a cricket background.

"We're looking for Mr Magic, who has cricket expertise along the range of management expertise that's required. That's the ideal situation.

"In practice, it's difficult to secure someone with that combination. I'm not fixed on this person having to come out of cricket."

Applications closed on Friday.

* New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden will replace Aleem Dar for the second Ashes test at Edgbaston, after Dar was forced to return to Pakistan to be with his wife following the premature birth of their baby.

Bowden will stand with Rudi Koertzen at Edgbaston, where the test starts on Thursday, and will continue with Steve Bucknor in the third test at Old Trafford.

* Innovative Australian coach John Buchanan is seeking a meeting with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to swap ideas. Australia meets England in the third Ashes test at Old Trafford and Buchanan is reported as saying he hopes to pop out the back to United's Old Trafford to have a chat with the Scot.

* Fast bowler Jason Gillespie is hopeful of a decent workout against Worcestershire (starting overnight), having had little influence in Australia's win over England in the first Ashes test. While Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne starred with the ball, Gillespie bowled just 14 overs in two innings.

He is banking on the recent bad weather to hold off so he can get some more practice before the second test.

"I don't feel undercooked but it would be nice to get some bowling done," Gillespie said.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY, additional reporting: agencies