Crocker to stay on for West Indies series

Lindsay Crocker will remain as team manager for the Test series against West Indies, New Zealand Cricket has confirmed, ending much speculation over his role. Justin Vaughan, the NZC chief executive, said it was essential to provide stability through the ongoing series, though he confirmed that long-term candidates were being looked at.

"We considered the possibility of an early handover in the event the recruitment process was concluded," Vaughan said. "However with the team about to start an important series and the process ongoing, it was decided that the timing wasn't right.

New Zealand's support staff is under a review process and former Rowing New Zealand chief executive Craig Ross has been one of the candidates to replace Crocker, whose contract runs until the end of the 2008-09 season.

Some reports said Crocker felt his job was in jeopardy when he found out Ross was being prepped for the role and, anticipating a change, was given a farewell by the team on Sunday night. Vaughan conceded there had been confusion over the appointment. "I acknowledge the timing hasn't been ideal, and the process has been unsettling," he said.

NZC, he said, would continue to appraise prospective long-term candidates, including Ross and Crocker, and that a decision will be taken later in the season. "It's important we make a good decision on this key role, and we are working through a comprehensive process, as we are for other positions."

Crocker had been New Zealand's general manager since 2003 and was part of the management system, including coach John Bracewell, employed by previous chief executive Martin Snedden. He was replaced in 2007 by Vaughan.

Ross, 52, resigned from his post with Rowing New Zealand in September 2007 amid allegations of funding application indiscretions.