Expectations: Don’t rush Wright: Intikhab

Alam admits that putting Wright in the position might be more fruitful than it seems.

AUCKLAND: Pakistan cricket manager Intikhab Alam has warned New Zealand not to expect instant results from their new coach John Wright. But Intikhab admitted that New Zealand Cricket’s decision to replace Mark Greatbatch with Wright would eventually bear fruit.

Alam claimed that he observed the former New Zealand opener carving out an impressive five-year reign as India’s coach between 2000 and 2005 and thus saw no reason why history would not repeat itself. “Changing coaches happens with every country really,” said Intikhab. “Nothing is like success. If a team is playing well, then everything is okay. But if senior players aren’t performing or playing to their potential, it can be hard.

“If you look at the administration side of things, New Zealand had to do something about it. Change probably brings about better results. We’ll have to wait and see, though.” Wright’s first assignment will be Boxing Day’s Twenty20 against Pakistan in Auckland.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23^rd, 2010.