Former New Zealand coach Andy Moles has pulled no punches in his upcoming autobiography, Around the World in 40 Years, describing his short-lived stint with the Black Caps as deeply disillusioning. Moles, who was at the helm for less than a year (334 days) between 2008 and 2009, claims the environment under some senior players, particularly Brendon McCullum, left him questioning his love for cricket.
“They made me question why on earth I was involved with cricket,” Moles wrote, as per the New Zealand Herald. “They’d taken the love of the game away from me, those egotistical buggers.” His resignation came after players allegedly lost faith in his methods, but Moles believes it was otherwise.
‘I’m building Brand McCullum’
At the centre of Moles’ criticism is Brendon McCullum, then vice-captain and now England’s Test coach. While McCullum’s stay with his national team is recalled as one of the most exciting times, Moles gave deeper insights on how the “brand” McCullum sometimes took over a team-first-oriented Kiwi star.
In a pointed anecdote, Moles recalls McCullum ignoring tactical advice in the 2009 Champions Trophy final against Australia, choosing to bat first despite warnings about the dew factor. New Zealand lost the game comfortably. The Black Caps were dealt a blow on game day when Vettori suffered a hamstring injury that ruled him out of the match. McCullum led but decided on bat first on his own before recording a 14-ball duck.
The Black Caps went on to score just 200 runs before the Aussies chased it down in 45.2 overs, with Shane Watson hitting a century.
“If Daniel had played, and we’d fielded first, we’d have had a great chance as the Centurion pitch turned. The Aussie spinner Nathan Hauritz took 3 for 37 from his 10 overs, including two-order wickets. So, I left there very disappointed, but consoling myself we’d got to a final. It wasn’t very often New Zealand got to finals at that stage.”
Another moment of friction came during a T20 series against the West Indies. Moles says he pleaded with McCullum to bat conservatively for a few overs to support a young batting line-up. Instead, McCullum reportedly told him, “Sorry about what the team needs. I’m building Brand McCullum.”
“We’d got an inexperienced batting lineup and only made 155 at Auckland, and I was keen for him to try and bat longer to lay the basis for a bigger total in Hamilton. So, I said to him when we went out at Seddon Park to have a look at the wicket, ‘Baz, can you give me seven or eight overs of you just batting so that we can get these young kids into the game and settle the team? Pull back on the reins, get into the game and then go’.
“He replied, ‘No, Moler, I’m busy building brand McCullum’. “’Pardon? The team needs you,’ I pleaded.
He claims McCullum responded, “No, no, sorry about what the team needs. I’m building a brand, and it’s called Brand McCullum. This is how I play’.”
Editor's Pick
Cricket
How Virat Kohli's 100 in Ranchi resulted in tickets for IND vs SA 3rd ODI getting sold out instantly
Top Stories
