John Wright's contract extended

John Wright has been retained as India's coach for a further year. Wright, 50, has held the job for four years and his extension lasts until September 2005. India have put in some good performances during Wright's tenure, beating Australia in a home Test series in 2001 and drawing with them in Australia earlier this year, as well as reaching the World Cup finals in South Africa in 2003, and beating Pakistan in the first Test series between the two for 14 years.

The extension to Wright's contract was widely expected, but is surprisingly short-term. Jagmohan Dalmiya, the Indian board president, explained why this was the case: "It all depends on whether the coach wants to continue and if the players are comfortable."

Two other members of the coaching staff, Andrew Leipus, the team physio, and trainer Greg King have had their contracts extended until the end of the 2007 World Cup in West Indies.

The national team left India today (August 16) for their European tour, which starts with the Videocon triangular one-day tournament in the Netherlands, involving Australia and Pakistan, followed by the NatWest Challenge against England, and the ICC Champions Trophy in September.