New TelstraClear Black Caps coach announced

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Martin Snedden today announced that John Bracewell is the new coach of the TelstraClear Black Caps.

Snedden said Bracewell brought an impressive coaching record with him to the position.

"John Bracewell is joining New Zealand Cricket following a very successful county coaching career in England with Gloucestershire.

"Since he was appointed coach in 1998 Gloucestershire has won six county trophies. Prior to John's involvement the club had won only two trophies in its 150-year history.

"Significantly, he has taken Gloucestershire to four finals victories at Lord's.

"This demonstrates that he has the ability to get his teams to perform in high pressure situations.

"This season Gloucestershire remains in contention to win each of the four competitions it is competing in."

Snedden said Bracewell had also had success coaching in New Zealand.

"John started in his coaching career in Auckland in 1986 at grass roots level as a development officer.

"He worked his way through the ranks before becoming coach of the Auckland Shell team, which, during his three-year tenure, won the Shell Trophy four-day competition twice.

"He also coached the Northern region to victory in the 1997-98 Conference Cricket competition in both the one-day and four-day competitions."

Snedden said Bracewell will finish his contracted term with Gloucestershire before joining New Zealand Cricket.

"He will take up his contract with New Zealand Cricket on November 1, and will not join the team until after its tour of India and Pakistan.

"John has had five successful years at Gloucestershire and he has an obligation to finish off the season properly. New Zealand Cricket respects his decision to do this."

"He also needs time to relocate his family to Christchurch and prepare for his new role."

Snedden said TelstraClear Black Caps assistant coach Ashley Ross would fulfil the role of coach for the tour of India and Pakistan.

"Ash is very experienced and has travelled extensively with the Black Caps over the last five years.

"This is an opportunity for Ash to show he is capable of leading the team and is an exciting step in his coaching development."