International manhunt ends at home
He could have been a corporate high-flyer, a brewery boss or even a public relations genius but Mark Greatbatch has settled for the post of New Zealand head coach for now
Kanishkaa Balachandran
25-Feb-2013
He could have been a corporate high-flyer, a brewery boss or even a public relations genius but Mark Greatbatch has settled for the post of New Zealand head coach for now. Andrew Alderson, in the New Zealand Herald, profiles the former opener-turned coach and speaks to former players who've been associated with him, including Justin Vaughan and Danny Morrison.
"But Mark always knew how to schmooze with corporate types, be it out at the races or at the tennis. He was an incredible networker, just loved going out to dinners. He'll be genuine, infectious and passionate in his new role. He used to get so fired up on the field with big diving catches and a willingness to get peppered as an opener just to fill a spot in the side when the middle order was strong."
In the same paper, David Leggat says Greatbatch has got plenty of hats to wear and his first challenge will be to tighten up the techniques of the batsmen at least before the Australians arrive. He should also look to inspire the players to display the same enthusiasm and resolve which set him apart during his playing days.
Greatbatch is an enthusiastic man and he's a straight talker. He hasn't shied away from hard conversations with players. Having two of the three selectors in the team's inner sanctum seems one too many, but give it time. At least a decision has been made and now it's time to move forward.
Kanishkaa Balachandran is a senior sub-editor at ESPNcricinfo