New Zealand to have coach by February

Wellington:

The New Zealand team's coaching void should be filled by next February, officials said on Sunday, 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.

"I can confirm I have received a number of strong enquiries from both New Zealand and overseas," Vaughan said.

"This will be a thorough process. There's no rush. It's important that we make the right appointment.

"We have begun a scoping exercise to clearly define the exact requirements for the position. This is an essential first step which needs to be completed before any meaningful conversations can be held with potential candidates."

In the meantime, Vettori will remain as player-coach for the remainder of the limited over series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates and the following home Test series against Pakistan.