Cricket: Wright a contender to replace Kapil Dev

Former New Zealand cricket captain John Wright has emerged as a leading candidate to take over as coach of India.

Four foreigners - Wright, Australian test batsmen Geoff Marsh and Dean Jones and former West Indian fast bowling great Andy Roberts - are in contention for the position vacated by Kapil Dev.

Wright has secured the endorsement of former Australian great Bob Simpson, who is credited with shaping Australia into the world power it is now. Simpson had been approached for the job but ruled himself out.

"I have been asked my views on a suitable coach and I would have no hesitation in recommending John Wright," Simpson wrote in his column in the Indian magazine Sportstar.

"He is a passionate, caring but tough operator, who has a great knowledge. His natural skills have provided a perfect background for coaching.

"John was a self-made cricketer. He was not blessed with the natural skills of a [Sachin] Tendulkar or [Saurav] Ganguly and thus had to learn the basics to succeed.

"He did it with great tenacity, passion and a huge desire to succeed. Unlike many other gifted players, Wright had to learn the game inside out to succeed.

"This has given him great insight and understanding of the game and the ability to identify what is needed for others to succeed.

"It has also given him a tough but compassionate attitude to those under his care. As he has known the ups and downs and limitations of his own game, he is able to identify quickly what is needed in others."

Wright, New Zealand's second highest runscorer in tests, has been coach of the English county side Kent for the past three years. The county's overseas professional is leading Indian batsman Rahul Dravid.

The 44-year-old Wright was last year overlooked for the New Zealand coaching job and was also approached to put his name forward for the England job that eventually went to Duncan Fletcher.

Former New Zealand coach and wicketkeeper Warren Lees yesterday agreed Wright could be the man for the job. He had made the transition from top player to top coach.

"I wasn't sure if he was tough enough to win as a coach but he has obviously proven that with his time at Kent," Lees said.

"And I think the Indians would listen to him. They are a polite, gracious type of people and he would fit in. Some international teams need strong management and others need a nice guy.

"India needs the nice guy and Wright, combined with his coaching skill, fits it well."

The position will be filled later this month and the assistant will be Indian. The final decision will rest with the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, A. C. Muthiah.

Kapil resigned as India's coach last month after investigations into match-fixing allegations. Anshuman Gaekwad has been interim coach.