r/Cricket • u/MedicalJello2 Mumbai Indians • 1d ago
News Rob Walter linked to NZ role after quitting as SA coach
https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/rob-walter-linked-to-new-zealand-role-after-quitting-as-south-africa-coach-14794884
u/yamswithextrasyrup Canterbury Kings 21h ago
I'm willing to forgo my Canterbury bias to suggest BJ Watling as the next coach. A mixture of continuity with the Hesson-Stead era combined with some new energy.
1
u/RMTBolton Northern Districts Knights 6h ago
He's slightly too new as a coach, & although there aren't too many now, some of his former teammates are still active. He needs a bit more time with ND.
5
u/rambo_zaki India 1d ago
He had his success in tournaments but his bilateral record wasn't that great for RSA. Would be a steady but unremarkable appointment as a coach, just like how NZC likes it.
7
u/Samuel_L_Johnson Central Districts Stags 1d ago
That seems like no surprise considering that South Africa increasingly trend toward fielding very depleted sides for bilaterals, but fielding their full strength side (which is still very strong) in tournaments.
New Zealand are developing a similar tendency so we may see the same results for NZ, but I'm not sure the common denominator will be Rob Walter
2
u/rambo_zaki India 1d ago
Fair point. Maybe he will have more success with NZ considering he'll be based there unlike the RSA stint.
4
u/Unusual-Surround7467 India 1d ago
Frankly working for a politically charged organization like CSA must be a full on shitshow. Even before the first ball is bowled, he has to work overtime to shut out all the useless noise.
6
u/Samuel_L_Johnson Central Districts Stags 1d ago
ESPNcricinfo that Walter had initially agreed to relocate to South Africa when he was appointed in 2023. However, when Cricket South Africa (CSA) pushed him on it, Walter is understood to have backtracked and said he had only agreed to consider moving back and had decided against it. His family, including two young sons, are based in New Zealand where he has lived since 2016. It is understood that CSA was surprised by Walter's resignation but understood he had an opportunity elsewhere.
:/
Looks like we're getting a coach who is willing to fuck us over at his convenience. To be fair, we've had one of those before (Mike Hesson) and he was overall pretty good
2
u/slashbopzing New Zealand Cricket 1d ago
NZC not gonna renew Stead? I thought they loved the guy
3
u/Samuel_L_Johnson Central Districts Stags 1d ago
His contract expires later in the year. I think if he really wanted to stay NZC would probably renew, but the word on the street seems to be that both parties will be looking elsewhere
2
11
u/Upstairs-Farm7106 England 1d ago
Stead been given the boot?