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Black Caps coach Andy Moles - Source: Photosport -
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Andy Moles' future as New Zealand cricket coach could be determined as early as Friday, as he fights for his job following a rumoured revolt by senior players.
Moles is understood to be entering mediation talks with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) after players effectively expressed a vote of no confidence in him when they returned from the nine-week tour of Sri Lanka and South Africa.
NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan issued a brief statement in response to media reports stating unnamed players wanted Moles removed.
The limited overs side is due on Monday to depart for a five-match tour against Pakistan, in the United Arab Emirates.
If the claims of player dissatisfaction prove accurate then the 48-year-old Englishman's long-term position is surely untenable.
Vaughan reaffirmed Moles as head coach and said he was preparing the side for the upcoming visit to Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Vaughan would not confirm if a mediation process was imminent.
Suggestions player power was moving against Moles coincided with
a NZC review of the test and limited overs tour of Sri Lanka in
August-September, and the subsequent Champions Trophy in South
Africa.
New Zealand finished runner-up to Australia in the Champions
Trophy, a one-day tournament, this month.
Vaughan said the review would "look at all aspects of individual
and collective performance with a view to continuous
improvement".
A report in The Dominion Post newspaper said senior players
approached NZC on their return from South Africa, complaining Moles
had not provided them with an acceptable level of tactical or
technical support.
It was also said captain Daniel Vettori had effectively been
coaching the side for the last six months.
Moles was appointed as John Bracewell's successor in November last
year. T
The former English county opening batsman was a low profile
choice after NZC failed to lure a better credentialled candidate
and as coach of Northern Districts, Moles already had a working
relationship with Vettori.
The pair's powers were expanded last month, when they were
appointed members of a revamped four-man selection panel.
That relationship might have fractured, as it was infeasible any
approach of senior players to NZC would not involve the
captain.
Employment issues
It would not be the first time Moles, contracted to the 2011
World Cup, has experienced employment issues.
In 2005 he took over as Scotland coach, guiding them to the ICC
Trophy before exiting after reaching an impasse with leading
players.
Since he took over New Zealand he has presided over three drawn
tests and four test losses. In 19 completed ODIs New Zealand have
won nine and lost 10.
New Zealand are seventh on the International Cricket Council test
rankings and fourth on the ODI ladder.
During his tenure Moles has been assisted by former Auckland coach
Mark O'Donnell and Australian-born bowling coach Shane
Jurgensen.
On the tour of Sri Lanka, NZC co-opted former Pakistani spin bowler
Saqlain Mushtaq - at Vettori's suggestion - to prepare the batsmen
to face Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis, a ploy that was
relatively successful.
Moles' predicament overshadows the annual NZC awards function in
Auckland on Thursday night. He was making no comment and it was
uncertain if he planned to attend.
