The Wright choice
By Peter Roebuck
John Wright is the coach best placed to lift the Australian team. Although other worthy candidates have put their hats in the ring, the Kiwi is the right man for the job. He has an impressive track record, an affable manner that conceals toughness and a fund of cricketing sense. In many ways he resembles Gary Kirsten, the Proteas’ new coach, another former opener who understood struggle, respected hard work and never lost sight of the unchanging basics of the game.
Wright has coached New Zealand and India with considerable success. Wright handled India well and they rose steadily on his watch. Some regarded him as indulgent towards the older players but the strong don’t need to bang a drum and, anyhow, sometimes it is wise to let the players get on with it. Like most openers worth their salt, Wright adjusts his game to meet varying conditions.
During his stint, Wright displayed a calm manner, humour, patience and judgment. Walking back to the hotel after a trying day of leather-chasing at Adelaide Oval, he exasperatedly remarked: “What about our bowling?!” Pressed about the wisdom of bringing Anil Kumble to Australia given his age and poor record in that neck of the woods, he added “Oh, he is vital, we need him in the rooms.” But he came back next day and so did his team. Kumble took a stack of wickets and India romped to victory.
Wright played his part in building the spirit, stamina and skill needed to prosper overseas. Previously India had prevailed mostly in their own backyard. He helped transform an inward-looking side into an outfit intent on conquest.
After leaving India to their own devices, Wright took a break from the game and spent it on his farm. Presently he was asked to take charge of the Australian academy and later cursed himself for declining. Instead he assisted the New Zealand A side and eventually took the main team to the 2011 World Cup.
As usual the Kiwis flourished under Wright’s mixture of sincerity and sense. Despite limited resources, they reached the semifinals only to lose to a rampant Sri Lankan side playing in its own conditions. It was a superb campaign notable for canny field placements and bold strategies. Daniel Vettori, the captain, deserves most of the credit but the coach instilled confidence and offered tactical insights.
In both cases Wright’s most crucial contribution was to restore respect for the basics of the game. Better than most he understands that fashions and fads change, that cricket is a game of skill that favours those able to keep the ball on the ground and on the spot. In his period the Kiwis gave little away with bat, ball or field.
That Wright is a foreigner, and a Kiwi at that, is of little consequence besides getting the right man for the job. It is not a time for flimflam. Already Australia’s football and rugby sides are coached by imports. His nomination is not a slight let alone a blight on the home grown. It’s just that the Kiwi has the edge.
Indeed, several plausible locals are available for selection. Among them, Steve Rixon is regarded as the frontrunner and already he is responsible for sharpening the fielding, and has presided over a rapid and significant improvement. By all accounts he has the required resolve and widespread support. The only qualm is that he is something of an insider in cricketing circles and the time might be ripe for a fresh influence. Greg Shipperd has a fine record with Victoria and ought not to be underestimated, let alone patronised. Troy Cooley suffers from association with failure but gets his chance now in South Africa.
Mickey Arthur’s name has also been mentioned but those familiar with his stint with the Proteas retain reservations about his capacity. Not that it was an easy gig. The team was run by Graeme Smith, a stubborn and sometimes headstrong leader intent on placating his senior players and not much inclined to listen to his coach. Whereas Wright had the knack of making his mark without drawing attention to himself, Arthur was a little too easily brushed aside.
None of them is incompetent. All of them have much to offer. Just that Wright seems the most intelligent and accomplished. Australia need a good coach to work alongside Michael Clarke and Pat Howard, a capable man and a shrewd choice as overall cricket manager. — Peter Roebuck (Republished by kind permission)