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| December 24, 2001 | Monday | Shawwal 8, 1422 |
India retains Wright until World Cup
BANGALORE, Dec 23: India’s cricket chiefs Sunday bowed to the demands of senior players and retained New Zealander John Wright as national coach till the World Cup in 2003.
Jagmohan Dalmiya, president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), confirmed Wright’s appointment soon after the drawn final Test against England gave India the series 1-0.
The Indian team’s South Africa-based physiotherapist, Andrew Leipus, was also asked to continue till the World Cup, scheduled to be held in South Africa in February-March 2003.
Dalmiya’s announcements set at rest speculation that Wright and Leipus would be sacked due to India’s continued poor record outside the sub-continent, where they have not won a Test series since 1986.
The Indian media reported last week that Wright was set to be replaced after the England series.
Dalmiya said the BCCI’s decision to retain Wright and Leipus was taken after a brainstorming session with the duo, senior players and national selectors here Saturday.
“We discussed how Indian cricket can improve further,” said Dalmiya.
“India is the world under-15 champions, the under-19 champions, but when it comes to Test rankings, we are eighth out of 10, ahead of only lowly Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.
“We have asked the players to be more consistent in their performances. I want the players to be accountable, so also the coach, the physio and the selectors.
BCCI sources said Dalmiya took the advice of senior players like captain Saurav Ganguly, master batsman Sachin Tendulkar and spinner Anil Kumble before agreeing to retain Wright.
“The players wanted Wright to continue. There was also no other suitable candidate,” the sources said.
Wright, whose one year contract expired last month, said he was delighted to continue with Indian cricket.
“I have enjoyed my job and am looking forward to the coming year,” Wright said.
“India has some very good players and if the team is consistent on the field, it will do very well.”
India is scheduled to play a home series against Zimbabwe in February, followed by tours of the West Indies in March and England in June.—AFP/Reuters
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