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| March 25, 2003 | Tuesday | Muharram 21, 1424 |
Wright wants to carry on as India coach
JOHANNESBURG, March 24: John Wright, coach of World Cup runners-up India, would like to continue in the job if the national board agrees to renew his contract.
“I like my job and I have enjoyed it very much,” Wright told reporters on Monday, a day after India’s Cup final defeat by Australia.
Wright, the former New Zealand captain, took on the post in October 2000. His contract ended with the World Cup and there has been speculation about whether will continue.
He said: “From both sides there are a number of things to consider. I would like to keep working with the team but that’s not my decision to make.”
“It has been a tremendous experience. It is a pity we could not pull it off yesterday,” he added.
Wright said he was leaving South Africa to visit his family in New Zealand and would wait for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to announce its decision.
India had raised hopes of a second title by reaching the final for the first time since their 1983 victory, but lost by 125 runs against the defending champions.
BCCI secretary Karunakaran Nair said the board would announce its decision on Wright soon.
“Our management board will review his performance, get the feedback from the captain and team manager and decide. It will be latest by next month.”
India next plays a one-day tri-series in Dhaka starting on April 11, also involving hosts Bangladesh and South Africa.
They do not play again for another five months when they host New Zealand for a Test and one-day series.
Wright has been credited with India’s improved performance in the last two years in both Tests and one-dayers, although the team has not won a test series outside the Indian sub-continent since 1986.
Meanwhile, Wright has asked his players to learn from their World Cup conquerors Australia to become a more competitive unit.
“We couldn’t find too many answers against Australia,” he said.
India went into the final with eight consecutive victories, but were outplayed after an insipid bowling display.
Australia also crushed India by nine wickets in the first round.
Wright said: “I am disappointed because we felt if we played to our potential we stood a chance.”
“The boys have done very well. We have beaten every other side apart from Australia. There haven’t been too many close matches.”
He felt players such as left-arm paceman Zaheer Khan, who conceded 15 runs in his opening over, had been nervous going into the final.
“We are a young side and a lot of these players are going to be around for many more World Cups. We have the makings of a very good one-day team.”
Wright defended Ganguly’s decision to bowl first in the final, although it backfired with Australia amassing 359 for two with captain Ricky Ponting lashing 140 not out.
“There was a lot on that pitch and getting an early wicket was the key against Australia,” he said. “We didn’t achieve that but I have no regrets at all. I back him all the way.”
He said India could still take pride at their World Cup showing.
Wright said: “We played three and one (spinner) which worked and then the batting came right. The boys showed a lot of character and I hope they get the credit they deserve from their fans.”
The pace trio of Zaheer, Ashish Nehra and Javagal Srinath shared 49 wickets while Sachin Tendulkar finished as the player of the tournament after scoring a record 673 runs.
Wright said India could learn from Australia to maintain their improvement.
“This team still has a long way to go,” he said.”We must look at what we do well and where we can improve.
“That is where we can learn more from Australia than anyone.”
Wright said India, who have not won a Test series outside south Asia since 1986, needed to add more depth to their fast bowling department and find durable Test openers.
“You could see the impact of having three quality seamers and the difference it makes when you are in countries like South Africa or Australia.”—Reuters
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