Former international batsman Mark Greatbatch has been named as the new coach of the New Zealand cricket team.
He will take on the role before the Black Caps' series against Bangladesh and will focus in particular on the team's batting performance, New Zealand Cricket says.
Greatbatch will join the existing Blackcaps coaching team of Mark O'Donnell and Shane Jurgensen, while captain Daniel Vettori will continue his high-level involvement in the team selection, tactics and strategy.
Former coach Andy Moles resigned in October after just one year in the job following revelations some players had concerns about his abilities.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughn says Greatbatch is highly respected in cricketing circles both in New Zealand and internationally.
His recent elevation onto the national selection panel has been viewed as an outstanding success, Mr Vaughn says, and he has received overwhelming praise for his communication and honesty with players and coaches.
Greatbatch has previously coached Central Districts and Warwickshire.
He played 41 tests for New Zealand at an average of 30.62. He is best remembered for an unbeaten 146 at Perth in the 1989-90 season, when he staved off what looked to be certain Australian victory.
The Bangladesh series starts with a Twenty20 international in Hamilton on Wednesday.
