Cricket : Greatbatch appointed selection adviser

New Zealand Cricket has announced the appointment of former Blackcaps batsman Mark Greatbatch as an advisor to the national selection panel.

Greatbatch, who currently also provides coaching to elite emerging players at Central Districts, will have a specific role to monitor and advise on the progress of players in State domestic cricket.

Head of the selection panel Glenn Turner said Greatbatch’s input would help the selectors panel maintain a comprehensive view of players across the country.

“Mark has wide experience of playing and coaching at home and abroad,” Turner said. “He will be getting around the grounds to keep an eye on the form of players coming through – his advice will be a huge asset to the selection process.”

Greatbatch, who played for New Zealand between 1988 and 1996, said he was excited about the role, and about helping to build depth into the top levels of the game.

“There’s a lot of young, exciting talent coming through the State competitions right now,” said Greatbatch. “Part of my role will be to help identify and develop that talent so that there’s a strong pool of players knocking hard on the door for national selection.”