Gavin Larsen has been appointed as New Zealand's selection manager, stepping in for Sam Wells after he decided to part ways recently. He was the chief executive of Cricket Wellington and the Cricket Operations Manager ahead of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. The Wellington-born was subsequently named as the selection manager of the Kiwis, serving from 2015 to 2013.
The 63-year-old played eight Tests and 121 ODIs, picking up 24 and 113 wickets, respectively, from March 1990 to June 1999.
He then took
on the role of Performance Director at the Warwickshire County Cricket Club (WCCC) before returning to New Zealand and accepting the role of Commercial Manager for the Nelson Giants (basketball).
Larsen will now work closely with Head Coach Rob Walter, selecting all New Zealand main team, New Zealand A, and New Zealand XI squads for home and away tours.
“I feel absolutely honoured to be stepping back into the BLACKCAPS and the national high performance environment,” Larsen told New Zealand Cricket.
“I’m hugely passionate about cricket in this country and to be given another opportunity to contribute at the highest level is really exciting. I can’t wait to get started this summer and hopefully help play a part in continuing the success of the BLACKCAPS," he added.
NZC’s Chief High Performance Officer Daryl Gibson said the national selection manager was responsible for managing the selection processes, as well as working with domestic scouts and the Major Association coaches to stay up to date on the domestic scene.
Gibson explained that Gavin's experience of serving in the role in the past and understanding the responsibilities played a significant role in his re-appointment. However, his passion and energy also had a key role to play.
“Gavin’s familiarity with the role and his understanding of the requirements played an important part in his appointment. But we were also impressed with his passion and energy, and his desire to get back into the game and help make a difference," Gibson said.
Larsen will take charge from November 3 onwards. The first assignment for New Zealand after the start of his tenure will be the multi-format home series against the West Indies. The Kiwis will face the Caribbean side in a five-match T20I series, followed by three ODIs and as many Tests.
