Jaipur, Nov. 30: New Zealand cricket has been looking for ways to improve and one of them is by hiring short-term consultants to assist the coaching staff. Former Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy, Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq and now former England coach Duncan Fletcher are some of the consultants hired by the Black Caps in the recent past.
“We’ve had a number of specialists come in and work with the unit or individual players and it’s proven to be really beneficial. Healy was the first one to help out in Brisbane where he spent some time with our wicketkeeper Gareth Hopkins. Healy’s tips have been very useful to our keeper who has taken over the job well from Brendon McCullum in the longer format of the game,” Kiwi manager Ellery Tappin told this paper on Tuesday.
Fletcher, who arrived in Jaipur ahead of the second ODI, will be observing the team during the rest of the five-match one-day series giving his suggestions to Kiwi coach Mark Greatbatch. The former England coach was seen having discussions with Ross Taylor, Hopkins and Kane Williamson during the three-hour long net session on Tuesday.
“Fletcher is here only for the one-day series. He has been taking up these short-term consultation assignments in the recent past. If some of the batsmen feel the need work more with him then his contract could be extended,” Tappin said.
The Kiwi manager felt the team’s stint with Saqlain was one of the most beneficial. “Saqlain joined us before the World T20 in the Caribbean this year. The batsmen have improved their game against spin bowling and tweakers Nathan McCullum and Jeetan Patel also gained a lot,” he added.
Skipper Daniel Vettori was also looking forward to Fletcher’s inputs. “His job will be to give an overview to the coaches as well as the players. This was just the first day but some of the boys discussed their game with him,” he said.