Why not allow Wright, Black Caps to test waters?

BY GEOFF LONGLEY

OPINION: Memo: New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan.

Re: New Zealand cricket coach.

How about getting John Wright associated with the New Zealand cricket team in some capacity during the home three-test series against Pakistan in November and December.

There has been a lot of tip-toeing around the issue of whether Wright wants to be involved. Has he expressed official interest and does he want the arduous grind of overseas travel again?

But there is no formal coach at present, and having Wright involved – he is on the NZC staff payroll after all – would be a good way of testing the waters for the players and the prospective coach.

This way, Wright could get a feel for the team and the environment and see if they could work together on a longer-term basis, and vice versa.

Goodness knows, sitting at seventh on the world test table, we need as much expertise as we can muster, especially with the Black Caps' vulnerable top-order lineup. That is where former gritty left-hander Wright, with his knowledge of top-order batting, is invaluable.

Wright probably has reservations about wanting to join the Black Caps after what happened to previous coach Andy Moles and having been involved with the panel that appointed him.

He comes from the 1980s playing era when things were done differently and all the latter-day gadgets and gimmicks had not been developed. Being from the old school may not please everybody from the modern era.

But Wright knows plenty about the bottom line, crease occupation, and is passionate about the Kiwi cause. It seems a shame to have him languishing on the sidelines.

Wright has his weaknesses, and paperwork may not be his strongest suit. But hands-on coaching is what the job requires, not form-filling, and a good manager should be able to cover any gaps.

A short stint working with the team, alongside captain Daniel Vettori, would give the players an insight into whether Wright could lift their game.

Having ditched Moles, the players have to be careful they are not seen to be dictating who they will be coached by.

After the Pakistan series, the team and Wright can decide if they want to take the relationship a step further with Bangladesh and Australia at home, or draft a longer-term coaching contract. An opportunity presents itself to find out without leaving any baggage on either side.

This is a time to demonstrate leadership. After all, what is there to lose?

Former England coach Duncan Fletcher is reported to be the latest to express interest in the job, alongside Wright and former Sri Lanka and West Indies coach John Dyson, from Australia.

- © Fairfax NZ News