Coach has player support: CEO

Head of New Zealand cricket, Martin Snedden has denied rumours that Black Cap’s coach John Bracewell has lost the confidence of his cricketers.

The comments came as Snedden cancelled his scheduled trip for an ICC meeting in India to join the struggling tourists.

Lindsay Crocker, the New Zealand team manager, also rubbished suggestions of a player-coach rift.

“The talk of player revolt is without foundation, but the press that was done didn’t put that issue to bed as well as it could have been.

“There is no player unrest or unhappiness, in fact, quite the reverse. The players are happy with the certainty and direction John is giving them.

“They are enjoying his work and his input and there is no crisis to be dealt with.”

In other news, Bracewell has hinted that premier fast bowler Shane Bond may be rested from one of the next two one-day matches against Australia and England, depending on which pitch suits him more.

Bracewell has given his support to the Australian pitches during summer. Their lack of pace would provide ample preparation for the similar style pitches expected at the upcoming World Cup in the Caribbean, he said.