Asian teams on coach hunt

If we take a close look at the current international coaching scenario what it tells us is that in some cases establishment administration in South Asia is a messy business.

Already three coaching vacancy signs have been posted and it would not come as too big a surprise if next week a fourth name, that of Tom Moody, is added to this already divisive list.

Which makes us wonder why it is that top administrations in countries such as Australia and England, even New Zealand are ahead of the rest? Simple really. They are more organised and transparent in what they do.

Cricket Australia had known for months that John Buchanan was retiring after seven years. As expected of professionals, Australia sorted out their new coach well before the World Cup team was announced. Tim Nielson, a 39-year-old former South Australian player and head of their coaching academy was the man they wanted.

This was after Tom Moody declined the offer. Not surprising either as it turned out. He was looking at Duncan Fletcher's job and admitted as much in an interview last week.

England's new man Peter Moores, was a handy competent at county level with a good record for Sussex and had his name ticked for the job before even the World Cup. David Graveney, England's head selection honcho admitted as much in a conversation back in January when looking beyond CWC07 and a post-Fletcher era.

England wanted a homegrown product, but look at who Moores went for as a deputy. Why, it was Andy Flower, a man still passionate about Zimbabwe, but like many of his countrymen living out a life elsewhere, he is as disillusioned about the state of affairs as he was when wearing the black armband in protest at the death of democracy four years ago.

West Indies were quick to fill Bennet King's vacancy with Australian David Moore, while South Africa 's Mickey Arthur, referred to less kindly as 'Mickey Mouse' by some critics, has begged Cricket South Africa for a second chance. He feels he has something major to offer.