New Zealand Cricket (NZC) today announced that former Australian National Coach John Buchanan is to become the new Director of Cricket for NZC.
The Director of Cricket is a new role and a first for world cricket. Buchanan will report to the Chief Executive with the position based at the New Zealand Cricket head quarters in Christchurch.
Buchanan will start with NZC in May and is being appointed as the architect of our new high performance programme. He will perform a number of key duties including the establishment of clear and consistent national coaching philosophies, implement a talent identification programme and oversee the Selection Panel.
Justin Vaughan, NZC Chief Executive, said he was delighted that John accepted the role.
“John’s appointment is an exciting one for New Zealand Cricket. He has a great cricketing pedigree and will provide outstanding leadership as NZC look to move forward.”
Buchanan, 58, has a track record of success and ended his eight year tenure with the Australian team with the best record of any coach in International cricket history.
“It’s an honour to be appointed to this challenging role. It is a wonderful opportunity to build on the work that has been done,” said Buchanan.
“New Zealand Cricket has a proud history and is a true honour to be given the responsibility. I want to be part of the next successful era and am committed to building sustainable high performance for New Zealand Cricket.”
John Buchanan fact box:
- Australian National Coach from 1999-2007 in a tenure that included a world record number for straight Test wins (16), consecutive ODI wins (21) and two World Cup wins.
- Delivered Queensland their first Sheffield Shield title in 1994-95 and in his five year coaching tenure delivered the Sheffield Shield and Mercantile Mutual Cup twice each.
- Has a degree in Human Movement, a Teaching Diploma and a Master of Arts in Sports Administration.
- Graduated from a Company Director’s Course conducted by the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
- Was the first coach to use computer analysis of every ball bowled.
- Was a professional cricketer and represented Queensland in the late 1970’s.
- Has held positions with the Brisbane Commonwealth Games, the Department of Tourism, Sports and Racing and lectured at the University of Canberra.
- Runs a consultancy business, Buchanan Success Coaching, which takes lessons of sport and converts them to principles for business.
- Author of “If Better is Possible”, “Learning from Legends – Australian Cricket” and “The Future of Cricket”.
- Patron of the REDKITE organisation which supports families who suffer cancer.
