Former NZC coaching director John Howell dies

John Howell, the former New Zealand Cricket (NZC) national coaching director, has died at the age of 67.

Howell assumed the coaching role in 1984 and worked with the board till 2003. He played a key role in the implementation of a national player talent identification programme, the creation of the NZC Coaches Association, and was involved in the development of high performance coaches. After his stint with NZC, he set up the Howell Cricket Academy in Tauranga.

Earlier, Howell was a right-arm medium-pace bowler with the Central Districts. He played in the Plunket Shield competition between 1966-67 and 1972-73, picking up 82 wickets in 34 games.