New Zealand coach Wright to resign
New Zealand coach John Wright will step down from the national side
in August after rejecting an offer to extend his contract, New Zealand
Cricket (NZC) chief executive David White said Tuesday.
In a move White described as "disappointing", he said Wright will
leave the Black Caps after the upcoming tour of the West Indies.
"John has been an outstanding servant for cricket in New Zealand over
a long time and it is disappointing to lose someone of his calibre,"
White said in a statement.
"We were keen to see him continue his head coach role, however
understand and respect his decision to look for another challenge."
A gritty former opening batsman and one-time India coach, Wright took
over a Black Caps outfit in disarray and guided them to the semi-finals
of last year's World Cup, as well as a rare Test win over Australia in
Hobart.
The statement gave no reason for Wright's departure, although he has
reportedly had a tense relationship with Australian John Buchanan, who
was appointed NZC's director of cricket in April last year.
"I appreciate the offer to extend my contract but after much
consideration I feel it's the right time to move on and look at other
opportunities," Wright said in the statement. No immediate replacement
was announced.
"We are keen to fill this critical role as soon as possible but are
conscious that we need to take the time to find the right candidate who
can take us through to the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup," White said.
New Zealand will tour the West Indies in July and early August.
Wellington, Tuesday
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