Cricket: Woodhill itching to get back to work

Trent Woodhill. Photo / Getty Images

Trent Woodhill defines his role with the New Zealand cricket team as "getting my hands dirty as much as possible".

New South Welshman Woodhill was yesterday confirmed as John Wright's assistant coach until October next year and although he's having a short break - by his estimation his first for about five years - he can't wait to get back to work.

Depending on who you speak to, Woodhill's title varies. Ask him and it's simple.

"It's just to support Wrighty in everything he does," Woodhill, 40, said from Sydney yesterday.

"To make sure I'm conveying his message to the masses and getting my hands dirty as much as possible. Whatever they think they need to improve or get a result, it's on me to do that."

Woodhill is widely regarded as one of the game's up and coming coaches.

A former Sydney first grade cricketer at Sutherland and Bankstown, he's done three seasons with the Delhi Daredevils in the Indian Premier League, has worked with New South Wales in various coaching capacities for several seasons, and spent one summer with his mentor, former New Zealand coach Steve Rixon at Surrey.

Having done a season with New Zealand, he was keen to continue, although he had other suitors.

Sri Lanka made inquiries and "a couple" of other international teams, plus Australian franchises in their domestic T20 competition next season.

But Woodhill clearly enjoys his work with the New Zealand team.

"It's the people more than anything," he said. "I'm not a massive cricket tragic. I love coaching and seeing people reach their goals and improve. Being round good people is a real plus for me."

Woodhill's re-signing is good news for New Zealand Cricket, who were stung by the withdrawal of bowling coach Allan Donald just over a week ago. NZC thought they had Donald locked in, with just his signature to come. Instead he was snaffled by new South African coach - and Donald's former teammate - Gary Kirsten at the 11th hour.

"I feel for Allan," Woodhill said. "He wanted to stay with New Zealand, was really serious about it and enjoyed the New Zealand psyche and the guys.

"But he's from Bloemfontein, he won't get another offer to be national bowling coach of South Africa and I think he felt he had to take it."

In Woodhill's mind the key is what happens next.

"It's important the guys remember what he did in that time and learn from that," he said.

"Then someone else will carry the baton and run with it. These jobs aren't permanent roles, although they might last a long time. So now it's up to whoever is the next bowling coach. He's got to come in and carry on Allan's good work."

Woodhill's next assignments include a series of winter camps along with the Emerging Players tournament in Brisbane in August, which leads on to New Zealand's next international assignment in Zimbabwe in October.