Trist with destiny for new cricket coach (30 July 1999)

30 July 1999

Trist with destiny for new cricket coach

The Christchurch Press

David Trist has one of the most unenviable jobs in the country as the new coach of the New Zealand cricket team. A players' coup got rid of Glenn Turner, and Steve Rixon has not quite made the progress that was solemnly hoped. So what can Trist offer that has failed his predecessors? Geoff Longley reports.

New Black Caps coach David Trist seems to be able to tap the fountain of cricketing youth.

How else can you explain his passion and boundless energy for cricket?

Such is the breakneck speed at which the excitable Trist propels himself at challenges that many felt the 51-year old would have burnt out years ago.

Fifteen years of top-level cricket coaching have not dimmed his enthusiasm or passion for the game.

"I suppose I thought that (he would burnout) myself after each major assignment I have undertaken," Trist said from the Netherlands.

"But I seem to keep coming back recharged, refreshed and renewed each time."

Trist will need every ounce of energy from next month when he takes over from Steve Rixon as Black Caps coach in his ultimate challenge.

Despite having an impressive provincial and second-tier country credentials, he has yet to take charge of a major test-playing nation.

Many doubt whether Trist can wring any more out of a team which has been on a slow upward climb in recent seasons.

Trist, who starts each day with 45 minutes of yoga and stretching exercises, thinks he can.

In the past he has taken on teams near the bottom of provincial and international ladders, such as South African side Eastern Province, Canterbury, the Netherlands, and Hong Kong, where the only way they could go was up.

Trist believes the Black Caps hold a higher standing than many in this country give them credit for.

He bases that belief on his international experience, viewing the structures and players of other cricketing countries.

"So often I hear people say 'not them again, how do they do it,' when our cricket team does well against odds.

"Theoretically, we should struggle given the numbers game, but from what I see of New Zealand Cricket they are positioning themselves at the leading edge of development and organisation so we stay ahead of other countries who have so many natural resources. I want to see the silver fern flying high, and believe we can do it more often."

Trist believes a key to improving the Black Caps is developing the New Zealand A programme further.

He wants more players placing greater pressure on the incumbents.

"I suppose we have about 12-14 top level players but we must do more work at developing pressure for places.

"I saw when I was with Auckland last year some talent around New Zealand but it needs to be nurtured to bridge that big gap between provincial play and the test arena."

Trist emphasises that players in his team will not be complacent.

"I will be expecting players to be consistently giving their best. I can smell complacency and it is the scourge of sports teams."

Trist will also draw on his teaching background to extract the best from his charges.

A four-year stint as an assessment officer at Kingslea School for girls with behavioural problems in Christchurch taught him a lot .

"I saw how people are all at different stages of their lives and respond to different stimuli. Some need the big stick waved, while others need more cajoling. I will be assessing what is appropriate for the individual and adjust accordingly."

Trist's own life has known its share of personal trauma.

After being hailed a young pace bowling protege and called in as a replacement for Dick Motz to the New Zealand team touring India and Pakistan in 1969, he never quite fulfilled his promise.

A back injury, which led to a spinal fusion hampered his career, and a lean frame was not conducive to consistently bowling fast.

"I struggled with the physical strain and bore the load somewhat grudgingly in my playing days.

"I also had three young children, so coping with everything was a bit of a problem."

Trist and his first wife separated in 1982 and the split was a motivating factor in seeking an overseas coaching job.

That led him to guiding South African Currie Cup team, Eastern Province, ultimately to championship success for the first time in 100 years.

There has been a downside to Trist's nomadic lifestyle.

He has missed much of the development of his three boys, Hamish, Justin and Anton.

"I could probably have stayed in a comfort zone in Christchurch teaching, but I wanted to expand my horizons. But something had to be sacrificed, that's the way it was at the time."

Invariably in most jobs Trist has been more than just a coach.

At Eastern Province he became director of cricket, while on his return to Canterbury he became director of coaching, marketing sponsorship and promotions.

He helped create an environment which lifted a struggling Canterbury side to Shell Cup success.

He also was not afraid to make hard decisions, being part of the selectorial group which sacked captain Rod Latham for youngster Lee Germon.

Trist had fulfilled similar all-embracing roles in the Netherlands and Hong Kong.

Trist says he will appreciate just having one major job with the Black Caps.

He is looking forward to working alongside NZC chief executive Chris Doig and operations manager John Reid, people he regards as visionaries.

While seen by many as an outspoken extrovert, Trist shuns the tag.

"I do what I have to in my job talking to people but I would actually prefer to be in the background.

"My greatest satisfaction is getting a team to perform to its optimum and the players to achieve success. I am more than happy to keep out of the limelight and let the captain and team take the kudos."

Trist's appointment will mean a return to his beloved farmlet base in Puaha Valley near Little River but there will be little time for farmyard activities. He runs a hobby farm there breeding charolais cattle.

New Zealand's busy international cricket programme means he will carry on his nomadic existence for many more months yet.

He is home for just four weeks, before New Zealand tours India, followed by domestic series against the West Indies and Australia.

Whether after a two-year term as Black Caps coach the wanderlust still remains, Trist is uncertain.

Settling down would somehow seem incongruous for a man whose cricket career has always been on the move.

Source :: The Christchurch Press (https://www.press.co.nz/)