New Zealand Cricket announces changes to national selection panel

New Zealand Cricket has appointed BLACKCAPS captain Daniel Vettori and coach Andy Moles to the national selection panel.

They join Glenn Turner and Mark Greatbatch as national selectors, while John Wright will act as an adviser to the panel. Former selector Dion Nash has stepped down to focus on business and family commitments.

The new selection panel has been announced today after a review of selection processes and composition of the panel.

Announcing the new panel, NZC Chief Executive Justin Vaughan said the structure reflected the need for an integrated approach to selection.

“The make-up of this selection panel – with the inclusion of both the coach and captain – is innovative but consistent with the way we have been operating,” said Vaughan. “Both captain and coach currently form our ‘on-tour’ selection panel, who select teams when the BLACKCAPS are playing.

“Andy and Dan see and work with our leading players constantly, and are directly accountable for team performance. Therefore we believe it is important they have a formal input into the selection process.

Vaughan said the inclusion of the captain on the selection panel was believed to be unique in world cricket currently, and reflected the vital role played by Daniel Vettori.

“Daniel is a strong and very able leader. He has vast international experience, and is absolutely committed to driving the BLACKCAPS team to improved performance.

“In many other countries the captain has a large say in team selection decisions, but we are willing to go the extra step and formally include Daniel on the panel. New Zealand Cricket has complete trust and confidence in Daniel Vettori being up to the task and we are convinced the BLACKCAPS team will benefit as a consequence.”

Vettori’s role as a national selector is dependent on him maintaining his position as team captain.

Vaughan said the inclusion of Andy Moles was also very positive, “As coach, Andy needs to have a say in team selection. He will also have a role in liaising with our first-class coaches and assessing their views on the leading players in our domestic competitions.”

Mark Greatbatch – who has been a non-voting advisor on the panel since last year, now assumes a full selection role.

“Mark has been a great asset to the selection panel over the past season,” said Vaughan. “He has shown great commitment since becoming involved with the panel and brings a well-considered approach to players.”

Glenn Turner, who has been a selector since 2005, continues as coordinator of the panel. “Glenn brings considerable knowledge and experience to the panel,” said Vaughan. “His objective analysis of players is a tremendous asset.”

John Wright, appointed to the panel in 2008, will act in a non-voting advisory role, enabling him to focus on youth development and his high performance coaching role with New Zealand Cricket.

“John has great skill in identifying players with potential, and a real appreciation of the requirements required to succeed at the international level. John is an important link between the NZC High Performance teams, such as the Emerging Players and New Zealand A, and the BLACKCAPS.”

Dion Nash has recently taken on a senior management role with his employer, 42 Below, and this commitment, along with his desire to spend more time with his young family has resulted in him stepping down from the panel.

Vaughan said Nash had contributed significantly to the panel, “Dion has made a great contribution to selection panel over the past four years. I hope he can be further involved in the future once his external commitments have reduced.”