Reid said the series defeat, after being up 1-0, was hugely disappointing and frustrating for everyone involved with NZC. Reid acknowledged the New Zealand batsmen would have difficulty playing the Sri Lankan spinners on turning tracks, as the Black Caps face a paucity of quality slow bowling in New Zealand.

``We are trying to address that with our work at the Academy, camps, and having the likes of Peter Philpott in. However, it takes time for the players to become more adept as we work at strengthening our spin bowling resources here.''

Reid said the first test win was still significant because he understood it to be the first time Sri Lanka had been beaten at home in four years.

``Also that was our third test win in succession which we have not achieved before.''

Reid said while consistency of performance was being strived for it was difficult to achieve even for the best sides.

``Look at Australia, arguably the best team in the world, which went to India and was beaten.''

Another secondary schoolteacher, Eric Astle, has changed jobs and joined New Zealand Cricket's full-time staff as its new national development manager.

Astle, the associate principal at Palmerston North Boys' High School, made the career change just a day after Mike Shrimpton, a guidance counsellor at Napier Boys High, became the coach of the national women's team.

Astle will be responsible for the recruitment and retention of those involved in the game at all levels in New Zealand.

Reid said Astle had a long involvement in the sport from playing for Manawatu through to his work at the school which fields some 30 teams.

``He understands the game at grassroots level which is one of his major attributes,'' Reid said of the job which attracted more than 20 quality applicants.

It is envisaged Astle will be supported by regional development officers in each of the six major associations.

Reid said Astle's appointment was the start of a new programme and some commercial support would be sought. He said England had 64 development officers and Australia almost 100.

``The position is about servicing the game in broad terms, attracting and retaining people. It's about strengthening the sport at club and school level.''

Reid said the aim was to ensure the game was an attractive option for youngsters. ``In New Zealand the elite athlete goes to rugby, but in Australia they grow up wanting to wear the green baggy cap. The same applies in India and the sub-continent, cricket is No 1.''

Reid said new All Black captain Taine Randell was an accomplished cricketer at Hastings Boys' High and Jeff Wilson is a double international.

``But the players tend to choose rugby because it is well resourced and is ingrained in our culture. We want to enhance cricket an an alternative.''