Whatmore accepts NCA position

Dav Whatmore has verbally accepted an offer to become director of operations at India's National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore. Speaking to Cricinfo from Australia, where his family is based, Whatmore said he was happy to accept the job offered to him by Ravi Shastri, recently appointed NCA chairman.

"Its finalised" said Whatmore,"and (most likely) I'll be there in person to sign on paper. I'm excited."

Niranjan Shah, the secretary of the Indian board, said the deal was finalised and the details would be confirmed in a couple of days.

As director of operations Whatmore's duties are likely to include looking after the day-to-day operations. Shastri told Reuters Whatmore, who is expected to start work at the academy at the end of the month, would have a three-year tenure.

In its seven-year history the NCA has had only two head coaches: the late Hanumant Singh, who was director-cum-coach in 2000, and Balwinder Singh Sandhu whose tenure as head coach lasted for a year in 2001.