Ex-Kiwi opener Bruce Edgar to be unveiled as NZC's national selection manager

Former New Zealand batsman Bruce Edgar is reportedly set to be unveiled as the national selection manager for New Zealand Cricket (NZC) this week.

According to Stuff.co.nz, if appointed to the post, Edgar will replace controversial Australian Kim Littlejohn, who was sacked at the end of his contract by the appointment panel led by New Zealand bowling icon Sir Richard Hadlee.

However, NZC chief executive David White refused to confirm Edgar's appointment, although he hinted at it, saying that they have got a preferred candidate and will reveal his name once they have completed some contract details.

Stating that the position to be filled is quite unique, White also said that although the selection was very narrow in terms of skill set, they are very happy with their preferred candidate.

The report said that the former opening batsman, who played in 39 Tests and 64 one-day internationals between 1978-86, is considered an astute thinker and his imminent appointment has the approval of key stakeholders and Black Caps coach Mike Hesson, who will retain the final say around selection.

According to the report, Edgar, who also worked as a high-performance batting coaching with Cricket New South Wales and a Sydney club, can continue to work as a financial services consultant in his new position, and will also lead to the reinstatement of two national selection scouts, previously filled by Martin Crowe and Glenn Turner.

Details of the criteria to replace former Director of Cricket John Buchanan are also close to being finalised, with White indicating that NZC would soon advertise the high-performance role by the end of next week or within ten days.