New Zealand Cricket's search for John Bracewell's replacement as narrowed, with South Africa coach Mickey Arthur believed to be close to re-signing with the Proteas.
Arthur has embarked on a rebuilding phase in South Africa, dropping mainstays Makhaya Ntini and Andre Nel from the one-day squad, which suggestshe is committed to the cause through to the 2011 World Cup.
A NZC interview panel recently grilled Arthur, Matthew Mott, Graham Ford, Andy Moles and Dipak Patel for the job about to be vacated by Bracewell at the end of the summer (though Bracewell could leave earlier to take up his role as director of cricket at Gloucestershire if convenient).
The smart money is on Mott, 35, who has earned rave reviews in his short tenures as coach of New South Wales and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League. New Zealand vice-captain Brendon McCullum is a fan of his methods.
New Zealand Cricket chief executive Justin Vaughan remained non-committal yesterday, saying the appointments panel was "still working on it" and no announcement was imminent.
On reputation and track record, South African Ford appeals as the strongest candidate, despite his protestations that he is committed to Kent in the English County Championship for 2009.
There is no question regarding Moles' availability, nor Patel's, but it would be a surprise to see either given the nod.
