CHENNAI, (Reuters) – New Zealand cannot rely on their coach John Wright’s insider knowledge of Indian playing conditions to win matches at the World Cup.
“As a coach, it gives me a little bit of background but that is only a small thing to be honest. It is helpful but I will not read too much into it,” Wright told reporters yesterday when asked if his familiarity with the Indian conditions would aid his team.
Wright coached India from 2000-2005 with considerable success, guiding Saurav Ganguly and his men to the final of the 2003 World Cup, and was put in charge of his native New Zealand team just two months ago.
He took charge of a team that had been whitewashed by Bangladesh and India before they lost a home series against Pakistan.
The former New Zealand captain did not promise an overnight miracle either.
“It is pretty tough time in the subcontinent from the results point of view,” said Wright, who will watch on as New Zealand take on India in a World Cup practice match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium today.
“It is really important to try and help the players. At this level changes take a long time.”
New Zealand begin their World Cup campaign against Kenya on Feb. 20 in Chennai.
