NZC ropes in Wiseman as talent identification manager

Former New Zealand offspinner Paul Wiseman has been appointed as the talent identification manager for New Zealand Cricket. Wiseman, who played 25 Tests and 15 ODIs for New Zealand between 1998 and 2005, will also continue his role as the national spin-bowling coach.

"I'm excited to be involved and look forward to working with the Major Associations and the High Performance unit to present Mike Hesson and Gavin Larsen with talented and well-developed options for future Blackcap teams," Wiseman said.

Since retiring from cricket, Wiseman has gained a level 3 coaching certificate, and even coached the New Zealand Under-19 team. He also served as assistant coach for Canterbury, for who Wiseman played 19 matches.

Wiseman will now be based in Lincoln, with an NZC release stating that the job "will see him concentrate on a Blackcaps succession plan, including a heavy focus on working with the Major Associations to create systems which identify emerging talent".

NZC's head of cricket Lindsay Crocker believed Wiseman's knowledge of the game at all levels would be of huge benefit to the team.

"To have a full time role dedicated to Talent ID is a significant step forward for us," Crocker said. "We see it as a key component for us going forward and a real opportunity for our future success on the international stage. Paul has spent a lot of time working with teams at age-group, domestic and international level and his familiarity with the cricketing community will put him in good stead for the role."