Cricket: Wright man for the job, Indian team decides

By RICHARD BOOCK

One of world sport's most unlikely coaching alliances will continue for another year, after Indian administrators agreed to terms with former New Zealand captain John Wright.

The 50-year-old Wright, thought to be facing an uncertain future after signing on with the volatile Indians in 2000, has delayed his long-intended homecoming and will remain in the role until September next year.

The announcement confirms Wright's reputation in India, where he is viewed as the catalyst for the side's impressive effort since 2000, and the glue that holds together one of cricket's most talented lineups.

Despite being thrashed on doctored New Zealand pitches in 2002, his side managed to beat Australia in a home test series in 2001, draw with them this year, qualify for the 2003 World Cup final, and beat Pakistan in the 'Olive Branch' test series - the first between the two for 14 years.

Team physio Andrew Leipus and trainer Greg King also had their contracts extended - until the end of the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies.

Wright left with the Indian squad this week for a European tour that includes a tri-series in the Netherlands involving Australia and Pakistan, the NatWest Challenge against England, and next month's ICC Champions Trophy.

* New Zealand will play two tests and three one-day internationals during their first full tour of Bangladesh in October.

The tour is understood to start with a three-day tour match at Dhaka from October 14-16, followed by tests at Dhaka (October 19-23) and Chittagong (October 26-30). The first ODI will also be at Chittagong (November 2), before returning to Dhaka for the last two matches (November 5 and 7).