Wright excited to coach Rest of the World

John Wright has said that he is looking foward to his assignment as coach of the Rest of the World teams in the Super Series against Australia in October. Wright was happy to accept the ICC's offer and said that he was eagerly awaiting the challenge. "I have enjoyed some tremendous battles with Australia over the years as player and coach, so this is another outstanding opportunity to pit my wits and skills against them," said Wright. "It will be a real privilege and a great thrill to work with so many outstanding players during the series."

Sunil Gavaskar, the former Indian captain and chief selector of the Rest of the World squads, recommended Wright for the coach's job. "John is a highly experienced and respected coach who knows what it takes to beat Australia, something which few other coaches have managed to do over the past decade."

A home series win against Australia in 2001 and a drawn series in Australia in 2003-04 were the highlights of Wright's term as Indian coach. India also achieved a famous ODI and Test series win in Pakistan during his tenure. Wright played 82 Tests and 149 ODIs for New Zealand, and also led them 14 Tests and 31 one-dayers.

The Rest of the World teams will be announced in Melbourne on August 23. The Super Series comprises three ODIs at the Telstra Dome in Melbourne between October 5-9 and one six-day Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from October 14-19. The matches have been given official status by the ICC.