NZ Cricket searches for Black Caps’ extra selector
New Zealand Cricket is looking to beef up the Black Caps selection panel but has quelled talk of a potential shake-up and an approach to Bruce Edgar to return.
Rumours that former national selector Edgar had been shouldertapped to rejoin the panel swept around cricket circles in the past fortnight, as scrutiny increased on selection duo Gavin Larsen and coach Gary Stead amid eight straight losses for the Black Caps.
Edgar confirmed to Stuff he was called last month by an independent person not connected with NZC to gauge his interest in returning as a selector, and, he said, potentially becoming chairman of the panel. Edgar turned down the approach, and wouldn’t comment further.
NZC high performance manager Bryan Stronach confirmed an additional Black Caps selection job would be advertised soon, but said when asked if they were already canvassing potential candidates: ‘‘We’re unaware of anyone approaching Bruce on behalf of NZC. This is news to us.’’
Current White Ferns coach Bob Carter was an unofficial third Black Caps selector until he took over the women’s job in September.
He was involved in picking last year’s World Cup 15 alongside Stead, Larsen and captain Kane Williamson.
‘‘We are looking to add a selector to fill the gap left by Bob Carter, who in his role as NZC high performance coach was co-opted in an advisory role to assist Gary and Gavin,’’ Stronach said.
‘‘With Bob now appointed White Ferns coach, it was decided to formally add a third selector. Advertising for this position will begin shortly.’’
It seems likely NZC will seek a fresh voice at the table.
Kerry Walmsley is a well regarded selector with Auckland while other recently retired internationals such as Grant Elliott or Kyle Mills could fit the bill, depending on their willingness and availability.
New Zealand’s three-test hammering in Australia and the 5-0 Twenty20 series clean sweep to India, which included some curious selections, raised the question as to how the panel was operating in conjunction with Williamson and if changes were needed.
Mitchell Santner being retained for the Boxing Day test, and Matt Henry playing ahead of Lockie Ferguson in Hamilton and Tim Southee in Sydney were all questionable decisions. Allrounder Jimmy Neesham’s absence from the India T20 series was another headscratcher.
Larsen succeeded Edgar as selector after the 2015 World Cup, joining then-coach Mike Hesson. Edgar went on to coach Wellington then stepped away from a fulltime role with cricket last year.
As Edgar did, Larsen watches domestic cricket, liaises with players and canvasses the six major association coaches then brings his recommendations to Stead, who succeeded Hesson in August, 2018. The same selection hierarchy applies where the coach has right of veto over any contentious decisions.
Stronach gave a definitive yes when asked if Stead would continue with right of veto, and backed the current personnel.
‘‘The Black Caps selectors have our confidence.
‘‘When a team isn’t as successful as expected we look at ways to drive improvement across the entire environment.
‘‘However, NZC has complete faith in its selectors.’’
Former New Zealand coach and, later, chairman of selectors Glenn Turner told Stuff last month a shake-up was required, and an independent selector needed to be on tour at all times.
‘‘You’ve got the conflict of interest there when you’ve got the coach and captain dominating selection, particularly on tour,’’ Turner said.
‘‘That becomes an issue. Most of the time when I was a selector I found out fairly quickly you become a cadence selector because the power of selection was taken away within the camp.’’
Stronach said there were no concerns around Stead and Williamson’s relationship when it came to selection, and who had the final say. Stead said during the Sydney test the picking of the final XI was a joint decision between captain and coach.
Said Stronach: ‘‘The selection process often requires frank and open discussion and we’re confident Gary and Kane manage that in a respectful and professional manner.’’