Shake-up in New Zealand support staff

Three days after appointing John Wright as New Zealand coach, NZC has announced sweeping changes to the support staff for the national team, including reducing the role of performance director Roger Mortimer and naming a new physiotherapist. The decisions come as part of a review following forgettable tours of Bangladesh and India in the past three months.

Earlier in the week, former New Zealand batsman Mark Greatbatch was sacked as coach and the captain Daniel Vettori lost his position as a selector. The three-man selection committee will now include Greatbatch, former captain Glenn Turner and new appointment Lance Cairns.

Mortimer will continue to work with NZC but will no longer travel with the team on tours. He had been appointed in May after guiding cyclist Sarah Ulmer and triathlete Hamish Carter to Olympic glory.

Other changes include Dayle Shackel, who was the team's long-time psyhiotherapist till 2008, returning to the role, replacing Kate Stalker. Fielding coach Mark O'Donnell and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen have been axed. Those who retain their posts include the assistant coach Trent Woodhill, the team manager Dave Currie and the team trainer Bryan Stronach.

New Zealand were drubbed 4-0 in the one-dayers against Bangladesh in October, and followed that up with a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of an under-strength Indian side. Their next challenge is a home series against Pakistan, starting Sunday.

"I am positive the changes outlined will act as a great stimulus to improve performance for the Black Caps," NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said. "I am hopeful the Auckland cricketing public will get out and support the team on Boxing Day for the T20 international against Pakistan."

Meanwhile, former internationals Paul Wiseman and Matt Horne have been appointed as co-coaches of the New Zealand under-19 team and will lead the side to the 2012 World Cup in Australia.