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NZ's hunt for new coach

Shipperd eyes NZ coaching role

Cricinfo staff

July 23, 2008

	Greg Shipperd's stint in the IPL has impressed Vettori © Cricket Victoria

Greg Shipperd, the Victoria coach, could be one of the contenders to replace John Bracewell, whose term as New Zealand coach ends in April 2009. Shipperd apparently has the backing of the New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, who was impressed by the Australian during their stint with the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League.

"I'll certainly think about it, yes," Shipperd told the Wellington-based Dominion Post. "Any national coaching job is very prestigious and a great challenge and you've got a terrific emerging team I think, so from a coaching point of view it would be a great challenge and another level above where I currently coach."

Shipperd coached Tasmania for 11 seasons after quitting first-class cricket in 1990-91, guiding the state to its first Sheffield Shield final in 1993-94, then again in 1997-98 and 2001-02. He took charge of Victoria after David Hookes' death in January 2004 and in the same season, the team celebrated its first Pura Cup title since 1990-91. In the IPL, Delhi made good progress at the start of the tournament, but narrowly made it to the semi-finals, where they lost to champions Rajasthan Royals.

Shipperd has until August 4 to make a formal application. New Zealand Cricket (NZC) haven't disclosed the names of any applicants yet. However, Justin Vaughan, NZC's chief executive, had stated John Wright, the former New Zealand captain and India coach, is one of the favourites for the job.

Of the state associations in the country, the paper reported that Andy Moles (Northern Districts) and Anthony Stuart (Wellington) have attracted a lot of positive feedback. Tom Moody, the former Australian allrounder and coach of Sri Lanka, has indicated his preference to stay on Perth with Western Australia, and hence will not apply.

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