Ex-Kiwi opener Bruce Edgar appointed as NZC's national selection manager

Former New Zealand Test opener Bruce Edgar has returned to Black Caps duty after his selection as general manager of national selection, starting on August 23 and succeeding Australian Kim Littlejohn.

According to Stuff.co.nz, Edgar was originally considered for a boardroom role in the revamped New Zealand Cricket (NZC) board, although he was later confirmed as coach Mike Hesson's right-hand man after being recommended by a panel headed by fast bowling great Sir Richard Hadlee.

Edgar, who relocated his family from Sydney to Auckland, said that he wanted to be involved more closer to the game for which he was happy with his selection in the post, adding that he enjoyed being involved in coaching and high performance and selection.

Looking forward to working with Hesson whom he met several times in the past year, Edgar, who played 39 tests and 64 one-day internationals between 1978-86, also said that his voice will still be heard even though Hesson will retain power of veto, adding that it is not going to be an issue between them.

Expecting to watch a 'hell lot of cricket' in his new role and get a feel for conditions at various venues, Edgar also said that he can now judge for himself if a century or five-wicket bag is as good as it sounds.

One of his first tasks is to identify two selection spotters to be his eyes in other parts of the country, along with the six major association coaches, a job done by Martin Crowe and Glenn Turner last summer.