Coach Wright takes on an Aussie assistant

WELLINGTON - New Zealand cricket team coach John Wright has taken former New South Wales under-19 coach Trent Woodhill as his assistant coach, following some glowing recommendations.

Woodhill is currently the Delhi Daredevils performance analyst in the Indian Premier League, and was yesterday upgraded from his previous role as New Zealand video analyst/fielding coach, stuff.co.nz reports.

The job of bowling coach remains under consideration as Wright and his pared-down support crew assemble with the players tomorrow, a day out from the Twenty20 opener against Pakistan in Auckland.

Gone from the previous management team are batting coach Mark Greatbatch (now chairman of selectors), performance director Roger Mortimer, bowling coach Shane Jurgensen and physiotherapist Kate Stalker.

New Zealand Cricket boss Justin Vaughan said all four, who were contracted until after the World Cup on the Indian sub-continent, starting in February, would be employed at NZC headquarters.

Aside from NZC-appointed manager Dave Currie, Wright got to choose his support staff.

Fitness trainer Bryan Stronach remains, while Dayle Shackel returns to his previous role as team physiotherapist.

Woodhill was signed by NZC in August for the tour of Sri Lanka, and was contracted until the World Cup.

His specialist area is fielding, but he is known as an innovative batting coach and analyst who worked with Indian star Virender Sehwag and helped develop big-hitting Australian David Warner.

Vaughan said the overwhelming feedback was that he continue with the side.

Woodhill is at present on sick leave and is scheduled to rejoin the side for the test series starting on January 7. (ANI)