Coach’s pledge to build on good work

SCOTLAND’S NEW head coach last night stressed his commitment to making the national side a force in world cricket.

New Zealander Grant Bradburn, who has been appointed on a 2½-year deal to head up a new coaching structure, believes he can build on Scotland’s recent success in qualifying for the 2015 World Cup.

Kiwi A coach Bradburn, who replaces Pete Steindl, will be assisted by Craig Wright, who coached the team during that qualifying campaign earlier in the year.

Wright, one of five candidates shortlisted for the vacancy, has been promoted to the new role of head of elite player development and assistant national coach.

Bradburn, who enjoyed first-class and one-day coaching success in New Zealand domestic cricket before becoming national A coach, said: “It is an honour to be named as coach of Scotland.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to work with players and staff at Cricket Scotland and I am thrilled at the prospect of working with a nation trying so hard to build on recent success.

“The Scotland team have performed well by qualifying for the 2015 World Cup, which will be played in New Zealand and Australia at venues I am very familiar with.

“With my appointment through to the end of 2017, I will focus sharply on continuing Scotland’s progress towards being a leading force in world cricket.

“Cricket Scotland has a high-quality team of people supporting the players, with excellent systems in place.

“With my experience of orchestrating successful high performance environments, I look forward to working with the players and staff at Cricket Scotland and assisting them to continue to grow and perform.”

Bradburn, 47, played in seven Test matches and 11 ODIs for New Zealand in the 1990s. He then enjoyed success as coach of Northern Districts.

Picture: PA. Grant Bradburn.