Wright named coach to stop New Zealand slump

WELLINGTON - Former New Zealand cricket test captain John Wright was named Monday as coach of the national side which is in the doldrums after losing its last 11 one-day internationals.

The move follows a disastrous tour of India, where Wright, 56, had huge success as a coach in a five-year spell from November 2000, steering that country’s side to a series win over Australia and the final of the 2003 World Cup.

Wright is taking over immediately, with less than a week to prepare for the Black Caps’ first match against the touring Pakistan side, the first of three Twenty20 internationals in Auckland on Boxing Day.

He replaces Mark Greatbatch, who coached the team on its Indian tour, but remains involved as head of an independent selection panel that includes current selector Glenn Turner and former test player Lance Cairns.

Greatbatch also continues as the team’s batting coach within New Zealand Cricket’s high performance programme.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said the changes followed a thorough review of the tour of India.

“All aspects of the tour - playing performance, preparation, selection and support staff - were examined to ensure that the Black Caps have the greatest chance of succeeding,” he said.

“The changes being made are a direct result of that process and should make a real difference.”