Cricket: Edgar stands down from NZC

Bruce Edgar has opted to leave his role with the Black Caps. Photo / Dean Purcell

Former New Zealand batsman Bruce Edgar has decided against accepting a revised Black Caps selection role.

Edgar, whose contract with NZC concluded at the end of April, assisted New Zealand coach Mike Hesson in selecting highly successful test, one day international and T20 international squads over the last two years.

But Edgar has opted to walk away from a restructured job, saying he enjoyed his time working with Hesson and the Black Caps.

"It's been one of the most successful periods for New Zealand Cricket, and it's been a privilege to be a part of that," he said. "It's been great to see the progress of the New Zealand test team and the development of so many new players coming through. We just couldn't come to terms."

NZC head of cricket Lindsay Crocker said Edgar had developed a strong working relationship with Hesson and could deservedly feel a sense of accomplishment in the performance of the various teams he helped select.

"Bruce has been an excellent sounding board for Mike - a trusted colleague and a good, independent thinker," said Crocker. "We're certainly disappointed to see him leave."

Changes to Edgar's role were fuelled by a need to expand the national talent identification component of his job from a part-time to fulltime position, something NZC deemed a priority if recent successes on the international stage were to be sustained.

"Bruce felt he was unable to accept the revised role and terms and while it's a decision we regret, it's also one we respect," Crocker said. "He departs with our gratitude for a selection job well done, and with our best wishes in future endeavours."

The process will commence shortly for the appointment of the part-time Black Caps selector role and the fulltime talent ID role.