Dav Whatmore excited by NCA offer

Dav Whatmore, the former Bangladesh coach, is set to become the first director of operations of the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore.

"I've agreed, but the announcement should come from the board ... I don't wish to break protocol," Whatmore was quoted as saying by the Telegraph, a Kolkata-based daily. "The contract is for three years and I'll be in Bangalore by the end of this month." Whatmore had been made the offer by Ravi Shastri, the NCA chairman.

Looking ahead to the job at hand, Whatmore indicated that there were several plans for the NCA. "I'm excited and Ravi wants it to become a real finishing school. In fact, I'd like players from overseas too to graduate from there.

"The specifics have to be worked out, but I expect the NCA to be operational for 8-10 months [in a year]. Eventually, one would like Indian coaches to impart all the training but, if needed, one may call specialists from overseas. However, one doesn't have to cross that bridge right now." Whatmore had been one of the leading contenders to replace Greg Chappell as India coach, but he wasn't even called for the interview by a panel which included Shastri. Whatmore, though, said that didn't affect his decision to take up the NCA offer.

"I'd rather talk of the NCA," he said. "It didn't take me long to realise there's value in being associated with it. Plus, I can give something. I know Ravi's on the coach-appointing committee, but I didn't bring up what happened in June. I've known Ravi for a number of years. We understand each other well and I'm looking forward to a formal association with him."