Tim Mcintosh, a stodgy left-handed batsman spent the best part of Sunday morning blunting England A's bowling attack even as the sounds of India's finest whacking the ball around echoed at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval.
Before they knew it, John Wright appeared at the nets. Wright, now director of New Zealand's High Performance Centre, came over just as India finished another practice session.
It was under Wright, who was coach from 2000 to 2005, under Sourav Ganguly's leadership that the Indians began to win Test matches abroad.
Wright, who was visibly happy to catch up with the players, and his friends from the visiting media contingent, grewnostalgic. “Such a great bunch of guys, so much potential,” he said, pointing to the Indian team. “I miss India – I miss the noise, the traffic and food. When you spend as much time there as I did, it sort of gets into your system,” said Wright. “And the winters here, it's freezing!”
Gary Kirsten, currently holding the post that was once Wright's, had a chat with the Kiwi, and no doubt would have had questions about the job. It's something that can be incredibly high profile while at the same time being demanding and full of internal and external pressure. Anyway, it was a job that Wright enjoyed thoroughly and his warm reunion with old mates showed how much he was respected as well.
—Anand Vasu
Gary Kirsten, currently holding the post that was once Wright's, had a chat with the Kiwi, and no doubt would have had questions about the job. It's something that can be incredibly high profile while at the same time being demanding and full of internal and external pressure. Anyway, it was a job that Wright enjoyed thoroughly and his warm reunion with old mates showed how much he was respected as well.
—Anand Vasu