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The dual appointment of David Trist and Jeff Crowe as coach and manager respectively of the Black Caps ends a short speculation as to the succession to Steve Rixon and John Graham. These two have presided over a period of some development in New Zealand Cricket at international level. The reservation is that the progress has been stuttering. The team does well, as in the three successive test wins last year, and then appears to mark time. There is a substantial backup team in the technical advisor, Ashley Ross, the player co-ordinator Gilbert Enoka and the physiotherapist Mark Harrison. Why then has the development been somewhat constrained? A major factor is the opposition. Our major wins have been gained against the lesser test countries such as Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, and India. The Times of India has a set of rankings that places us fifth above these countries plus England and West Indies. However this was an April list that punished West Indies for their dreadful tour of South Africa. The same strange logic places us ninth in one-day rankings. Perhaps they got them the wrong way around? We haven't done so well against Australia South Africa and Pakistan although we have pushed them close at times. The reason is invariably that we have not quite believed in ourselves enough to prevail. This is the essential motivating factor that has not quite been there, for all the best will in the world. The introduction of David and Jeff will make a substantial difference because both are winning sportsmen. I first knew Trist when he became coach of the New Zealand under 19 team that Martin captained to Australia. He impressed me then as someone who accepted input and then made his own decisions. He gained the respect of his teams because of his consensual approach and because he has a thorough and analytical understanding of the game and its players. Jeff came through the hard school of Sheffield Shield cricket with four seasons for South Australia, culminating in winning the outstanding player of the series when they won the shield in his final season. He was on the short list for the Australian test team but wisely returned to claim an almost automatic place for eight years. He is widely regarded as one of the most fearless and determined players of fast bowling, as he demonstrated against the West Indies in their prime. As captain of Auckland he enjoyed unprecedented success and was highly respected by his teams. His attitude is summed by an incident involving Danny Morrison, who has always had a quirky side. Danny was bowling away at Eden Park to a country player who was in all kinds of trouble. It was as though Danny had the ball on a string, teasing the batsman into all manner of embarrassment. He would grin to himself as he walked back to his mark, plotting the next trick. Jeff noticed this and called "What's the joke Dan?" I'm having fun was Danny's reply, grin plastered all over his face. "Hey Danny, taking wickets is having fun, pal!" Jeff was not amused. Trist will enjoy the players' respect and also the administration. He is a lifelong friend of both Chris Doig and Dayle Hadlee so the co-ordination should be smooth. Jeff will be involved in much more than just admin, for his abilities in motivation and strategic direction will be required. It will be the best combination for New Zealand cricket since the Warren Lees/Martin Crowe team of the 1992 World Cup. It has to be remembered that the real leader is Stephen Fleming, for he has to do it out on the field. These two will recognise that and seek to support him, not supplant him. Meanwhile the Black Caps have a job to do, not least with their top order batsmen. Hampshire was a personal triumph for match captain Dion Nash but he received little support with the bat outside of fellow bowler Danny Vettori. The Kent match is a must for heavy scoring by top order batsmen.
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