Vettori to lose controversial selection powers

WELLINGTON - The New Zealand Cricket board might replace coach Mark Greatbatch and take away skipper Daniel Vettori’s controversial selection powers after the disastrous tour of India.

Former India coach Wright is seen as the public’s favourite to replace him, but it’s understood no decision on the Black Caps coach has been made yet.

An extensive week-long review into the Black Caps debacle in India has thrown up the need for a change in coaching style, if not personnel as well, within the national team environment.

Insiders told the Sunday Star-Times that Vettori, who will have the board’s backing to remain captain, will be stripped of his place on the selection panel and, if Greatbatch stays on as head coach, he will also be relieved of those selection duties.

The NZC board might create an independent selection panel, with up to two new faces, to be appointed as replacements for the current captain and coach.

Another option the New Zealand Cricket board is likely to consider is that if Greatbatch is retained, that will leave the door open to conduct a worldwide search for his replacement after the world cup on the sub-continent. (ANI)