Coaching gets boost from NZC tour initiative

Coaching in New Zealand has received a substantial boost from an initiative undertaken by New Zealand Cricket to send representative coaches as assistants on the forthcoming tour to India and Pakistan.

The move is part of the revamping of the management structure of the national men's side that has already been reflected in the coaching and selection initiatives that have been undertaken by NZC in the roles assigned to coach John Bracewell and selection manager Sir Richard Hadlee in the last two weeks.

By deciding to send three association coaches, Mark O'Donnell (Auckland), Bruce Blair (Northern Districts) and Vaughn Johnson (Wellington) on different stages of the tour, NZC are looking to spread the benefits back to the provinces by way of understanding the environment international players compete in while also allowing them to be part of succession planning in the high performance structure at the national and first-class level.

The move will also give interim coach Ashley Ross some additional support in working with the team and individual players.

Blair will accompany the side from September 23 to October 20 through the Test leg in India, while O'Donnell will be with it for the Indian triangular tournament from October 21-November 18. Johnson will assist in the one-day series in Pakistan from November 19-December 2.

Due to the recent international experience of Otago's Glenn Turner and Central Districts' Mark Greatbatch they were not considered for the three positions available and Canterbury coach Michel Sharpe will be considered for a development opportunity in the near future.