The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Wright — a quiet, tough taskmaster

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Saturday, Aug 12, 2006

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Sport - Cricket

Wright — a quiet, tough taskmaster

S. Dinakar

PASSING THE BATON: John Wright had laid a solid platform for Greg Chappell, who possesses the right credentials to take India to the next level. — File Photo: V.V. Krishnan

CHENNAI: Indian Summers has raised the decibel levels in the country. Ironically, this is the book of a quiet man.

In the serene ambience of Christchurch, John Wright could be excused if he permitted himself a wry smile at the commotion his written words had caused in India.

Yet, amid the varying voices, `Wright — The Man' seems to have faded into the background. So has `Wright — the India coach.'

A left-handed opener, who made a fair share of his 5334 runs in 82 Tests on green, seaming tracks, Wright learnt to fight and survive.

As India's first foreign coach, he attempted to take on the system, then realised he needed to work within it. He did so with a steely resolve and even managed to swing a few arguments in his favour without being offensive.

Nearly five years is a long time for an Indian coach, and, creditably for Wright, it was a rewarding period for most part. India won a lot more away from home, and evolved into a more complete, balanced and fitter team.

Industrious

Remembers India batsman V.V.S. Laxman, "He was an industrious man. He was also very passionate about his job."

Wright's tenure began soon after the match-fixing scandal broke out in 2000. Along with skipper Sourav Ganguly, he steered the side through the streets of darkness.

His successor Greg Chappell is a more forceful personality. The Aussie's technical attributes, his insight and his communication skills are probably unmatched. Chappell does possess the right ingredients to take India to the next level. But Wright had laid a solid platform for him.

Contrary to a perception that he was `soft' on players, Wright had a temper. He once severely reprimanded a senior cricketer for not being attentive at team meeting. And he pushed his men hard during practice sessions. To Wright and his support staff goes the credit of streamlining the fitness programme.

There were occasions when he encountered disappointments. "If India had a bad day, you could see him lapping the ground at the conclusion of play to take out his frustration," recalls former India opener Sadagopan Ramesh.

Precise solutions

Wright had simple, yet precise answers to vexing questions. Ahead of India's historic campaign in 2004, he had, at a team meeting, invited suggestions from all the players on the best method to defeat a potentially brilliant, but an inconsistent Pakistan team on home soil.

When his own turn arrived, he correctly replied, "With discipline."

He could put forward his thoughts subtly. The New Zealander took the in-form Laxman out to a waterlogged Sabina Park ground after India lost the decisive Jamaica Test of the 2002 series. "It rained ten minutes after we were bowled out. I was the last recognised batsman to get out. Wright did not say a word. I got the message that I should have stayed on," recollects Laxman.

Wright and skipper Ganguly were contrasting personalities, had their share of differences, but put their heads together for the team's cause. Crucially, much emphasis was laid on building a potent attack.

Gradually, the pacemen emerged and India could hurt the opposition away from home in Tests. Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh developed into a formidable spin pair as well and India's batting strength — he rarely tampered with the natural ability of a batsman — was now complemented with an incisive attack.

In limited overs cricket, Wright was all for "fighters, fielders and runners between wickets," although there were times when he took this concept to extreme levels. In the emergence of Mohammed Kaif and Yuvraj Singh, his role was critical. He believed in batting depth for the ODI format.

There were times when he could barely conceal his rage: "I want an Indian team that plays with passion and pride," he had fumed on the Napier beach following a series of Indian debacles in 2002. And, of course, he had problems with the selectors.

Wright has more reasons to smile, though. Not just because his Indian Summers is a sizzler. More importantly, he was someone who made a difference.

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