Sport

NZ's Wright to coach World XI

LONDON, CMC

FORMER INDIA COACH John Wright has been appointed to coach the ICC World XI Test and One-Day International (ODI) teams in October's Johnnie Walker Super Series in Australia, the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed yesterday.

Wright's appointment will see him assist the world's best players in preparing for the challenge of three One Day Internationals and a one-off, six-day Test match against world champion team Australia.

The ICC said Wright's credentials for the prestigious position are endorsed by his record as the most successful international coach against Australia in recent years.

"Under his guidance, India beat Steve Waugh's team 2-1 in the famous 2000-01 series in India and followed up by holding them to a 1-1 drawn series in Australia in 2003-04. His overall Test record as India's coach against Australia includes four wins, four losses and three drawn matches," the ICC said in a release.

Looking forward to the challenge of taking on Australia, John Wright said: "I've enjoyed some tremendous battles with Australia over the years as both player and coach, so this is another outstanding opportunity to pit my wits and skills against them. It will be a real privilege and a great thrill to work with so many outstanding players during the series."

Appointment endorsed

Wright's appointment was recom-mended by former India captain Sunil Gavaskar and endorsed by ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed.

In addition to his 42 Tests and 130 ODIs as India coach, Wright enjoyed a 23-year Test career as a left handed opening batsman for New Zealand. In 82 Tests, he scored more than 5,300 runs with 12 centuries, backed up with 3,891 runs in 149 ODIs.

The Johnnie Walker ICC Super Series one-day matches will take place at the Telstra Dome, Melbourne, on October 5, 7 and 9, and the six-day Super Test will be at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney, from October 14-19.

West Indies batsmen Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul have been picked for the World Test squad and Chris Gayle joins Lara as West Indies players invited for the ODI unit.