BLACKCAPS manager confirmed for West Indies series

New Zealand Cricket has confirmed Lindsay Crocker will remain as BLACKCAPS team manager for the National Bank Series against the West Indies.

NZC CEO Justin Vaughan said today that with a major test and one-day series now under way, it was important to provide continuity for the BLACKCAPS team over the coming weeks.

“Lindsay’s experience and expertise as a team manager is an asset to the team,” he said.

Vaughan said that NZC has been reviewing the support team structure and personnel around the BLACKCAPS.

“This is normal practice with a new coach coming on board, and gives us an opportunity to take a fresh approach to team support.

The team manager position is one of the roles under review, Vaughan said. He confirmed that former Rowing NZ CEO Craig Ross has been one of the candidates considered for the position and has been in discussions with NZC. Ross spent time with the team in Dunedin to look at the BLACKCAPS setup first-hand.

“We considered the possibility of an early handover in the event the recruitment process was concluded. However with the team about to start an important series and the process ongoing, it was decided that the timing wasn’t right.

“It’s important we make a good decision on this key role, and we are working through a comprehensive process, as we are for other positions. We will continue to evaluate potential long-term candidates, including Craig and Lindsay, and will make a considered decision later in the season.

“I acknowledge the timing hasn’t been ideal, and the process has been unsettling. But it’s good to see that the team dynamic is really positive and morale is high. I hope we can now get back to focusing on the real business of cricket – our performance on the field.”