New Zealand to have coach by February

Wellington, Nov 8 The New Zealand cricket team's coaching void should be filled by next February, officials said today, but until then the side will continue to be directed by captain Daniel Vettori.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan said they expected a new coach would be named by the end of the year and on the job in time for the home series against Bangladesh starting in early February.

Former coach Andy Moles quit last month amid player criticism of his performance and Vaughan said New Zealand Cricket would not be rushed into appointing a replacement.

The position would not be advertised, instead "potential candidates" would be identified for interview.

The name most widely tipped by local media is former New Zealand captain and India coach John Wright, with Australians John Dyson and Steve Rixon also being mentioned.