Damien Wright appointed BLACKCAPS bowling coach

New Zealand Cricket today announced that former Australian state cricketer Damien Wright has been appointed BLACKCAPS bowling coach.

Wright, 35, who took 406 First-Class wickets in 123 matches replaces Allan Donald in the role. He becomes the third part of the coaching set up led by John Wright and includes assistant coach Trent Woodhill.

Wright started his First-Class playing career with Tasmania in 1997 and joined Victoria in 2008 before retiring earlier this year. He also had stints with Scotland, Worcestershire, Somerset, Sussex, Northamptonshire, Glamorgan and played three matches for the Wellington Firebirds the 2010-11 HRV Cup.

During his last season playing for Victoria he was handed the responsibility of leading and coaching the bowling unit.

BLACKCAPS coach John Wright said the appointment is an exciting one for New Zealand Cricket and capitalises on years of experience playing First-Class cricket and his work as bowling coach with Victoria.

“Damien comes highly regarded by his peers and coaches in Australia. He is a coach on the rise and we are lucky to secure his services.

“As a player he made the most of his ability and got everything out of himself and they are qualities he will bring to his coaching.

“He will offer a lot to the team in terms of energy and enthusiasm and relate particularly well to the young fast bowlers.

“I look forward to working with Damien and have no doubt he will make a strong contribution to the team.”

Wright begins on 5 September with the role based at New Zealand Cricket’s High Performance Centre in Lincoln.