Denis Aberhart named as CLEAR Black Caps coach

Denis Aberhart named as CLEAR Black Caps coach
New Zealand Cricket - 12 July 2001

New Zealand Cricket today announced former Otago, Canterbury and Central Conference coach, Denis Aberhart as coach of the CLEAR Black Caps for a two-year term.

Aberhart's first assignment is to lead the team on its tour of Pakistan in mid-September. The term encompasses home series against Bangladesh, England and India, tours to Australia and the West Indies, and incorporates the Cricket World Cup in South Africa in February 2003 and subsequent tour to Sri Lanka.

Aberhart (48) is a qualified Level 3 coach under the New Zealand Cricket coach education system.

He is best known for leading Canterbury during a period of unprecedented success from 1993-1997 when the side won three Shell Cups and two Shell Trophy competitions, doing 'the double' twice.

He had previously coached the Canterbury Under 18 and Second XI sides which included a young Stephen Fleming, Nathan Astle and Chris Harris.

In 1997/98 and 1998/99 Aberhart coached the Central Conference side making the final in the first year. In 1999 he coached the South Island and last summer Aberhart led a young Otago side, being widely credited for instilling a disciplined and positive style which resulted in improvements particularly in the 4-day competition.

Aberhart is a former first class cricketer. He played 37 matches for Central Districts and one for Canterbury during a career which spanned seven seasons from 1976/77 to 1983/84. As a right arm medium pace seam bowler he claimed 101 first class wickets at an average of 23.16.

New Zealand Cricket operations manager, John Reid, said the process of appointing the coach had been rigorous and Aberhart had proved at the end of the second interviews to be the unanimous choice of the interviewing panel.

"Denis Aberhart has a proven track record of success with each of the teams he has coached, developing individuals and creating strong teams. He was particularly successful with Canterbury in the mid-90s but also last year was given glowing reviews by his many youthful charges at Otago. He has served a comprehensive apprenticeship within the New Zealand Cricket system and greatly impressed the interviewing panel with his clarity of vision and his professionalism," Reid said.

In announcing the appointment Reid took the opportunity to clarify the structure of the CLEAR Black Caps management team, which has been a subject of some media comment over recent weeks.

"In essence there has been no change to the structure of the CLEAR Black Caps team management. As has always been the case the Team Manager, as the New Zealand Cricket Board representative, is ultimately the leader of the side. At an operational level the coach and captain are equal partners in the running of the team.

"In cricket, more than most other sports, the captain makes a significant contribution to the team strategy and tactics. He is the leader in all decisions relating to on-field play such as bowling rotation, field placements, batting order and the decision whether to bat or field.

"The coach's key areas of responsibility are the technical aspects of individual player performance, the preparation of the team including analysis of the opposition, and Denis will be a member of the selection panel. The coach and captain will together develop the team's tactics and the make-up of the final playing XI. The coach, along with the captain and manager, is also responsible for the creation of a successful team culture and team protocols.

"It is the intention that the manager, coach and captain will all be equally accessible to the media," John Reid said.

Reid said Aberhart would officially join New Zealand Cricket on the CLEAR Black Caps return from Sri Lanka and there was likely to be a handover period with David Trist.

The team leaves for Pakistan on 12 September 2001 and will play three Tests and five One Day Internationals. The side then travels directly to Australia from Pakistan to play three Tests prior to Christmas.

Aberhart lives in Christchurch, is married to Barbara, and has three children Caroline (18), Elizabeth (17) and Gabrielle (14). He resigns from St. Paul's Primary School Dallington, where he has been principal for the past 11 years, to take up the position.

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