New TelstraClear Black Caps management structure outlined

New Zealand Cricket today outlined a new management structure for the TelstraClear Black Caps.

NZC chief executive Martin Snedden said the new structure addressed issues of accountability and role clarity within the team's management and provided for better integration of NZC's High Performance Centre resources into the TelstraClear Black Caps team.

"The new structure provides greater role clarity for the general manager, coach and captain. It makes better use of resources and gives the coach more certainty of his position within the unit.

Key changes include:

The general manager will be responsible for the overall performance of the TelstraClear Black Caps Unit, including the coach, while the coach will be responsible for the cricketing performance of the team.

"The TelstraClear Black Caps coach will have the ultimate decision making authority on cricket functions and issues within the Black Caps Unit.

"The captain will be responsible for on-field decisions and will retain a strong off-the-field leadership role," Mr Snedden said.

The changes to the team structure followed a review aimed at improving the team's overall performance.

"The TelstraClear Black Caps are ranked No 3 in the ICC Test cricket rankings but are inconsistent performers in one-day internationals. The team is ranked seventh in the ICC's ODI rankings and in spite of some excellent ODI performances in the past year has performed poorly in crucial games at the ICC Champions Trophy and at the World Cup.

"The new structure will assist the TelstraClear Black Caps to make improvements as they strive to become a dominant force in international cricket," Mr Snedden said.

"While the structure is important it must be remembered that success depends on the quality of the people working within the Black Caps Unit. I believe we have the right people to take the TelstraClear Black Caps forward."