Moving to Christchurch no problem for Woodhill

MARK GEENTY

Trent Woodhill's partner is worried, but he insists yesterday's aftershocks won't put him off moving to Christchurch after extending his contract as New Zealand assistant coach.

The third cog in the World Cup coaching set-up alongside John Wright and Allan Donald, Sydney-based Woodhill was yesterday confirmed in the role until October 2012. Rated highly by Wright, and an assistant with the team since July last year, Woodhill's retention is some good news for NZC after Donald's sudden U-turn to be South Africa's bowling coach.

Still, there were anxious moments yesterday as news of more Christchurch quakes reached Australia.

"It's such a beautiful place. Let's hope it settles down there. I'm probably more worried about driving in Sydney than moving to New Zealand because of the earthquakes, but I'm not sure my partner's the same," he said. "She is a bit alarmed."

Woodhill estimates he'll be in Christchurch for just three of the next 12 months amid a schedule starting with August's emerging players tournament in Queensland where he, Wright and NZC's director of cricket John Buchanan will oversee New Zealand A.

So what's Woodhill's story? The 40-year-old played Sydney grade cricket before coaching New South Wales Under-19, then joined the senior NSW coaching staff. He was credited with moulding David Warner into a top Twenty20 hitter, and has been a high-performance analyst for IPL side Delhi Daredevils for the past three years. His strengths are fielding, and the technical side of batting.

Martin Guptill was another success story, and overtook South African AB de Villiers this year as the best fielder in the world, Woodhill believes. "That quarterfinal fielding against South Africa was phenomenal. I'd like to think I gave him the belief. The talent was always there."

Woodhill was excited about New Zealand's potential, with youngsters Tim Southee and Kane Williamson central to that. "I can't believe how well Tim developed in the last six months, and Kane is exceptional for someone who's only 20. He could go down as one of New Zealand's greatest batsmen if he continues the learning process and stays grounded."

Coaching New Zealand was a no-brainer.

"They're just a great bunch of guys. It's an easy decision to work with this team because they're good human beings and that's the exception rather than the norm in world cricket these days."

- The Dominion Post

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