John Wright tipped to coach Australia's highest cricket academy

Sydney, May 22 (UNI) Former India coach John Wright is set to crown the helm of affairs as head coach of Australia's centre of excellence, taking over from new national team coach Tim Nielsen.

According to the 'Sydney Morning Herald', the Kiwi is believed to be a late entrant in the race for the position.

Wright under whose coaching Team India reached the heights of success four years back, has been considered by many other international teams since the end of the World Cup in West Indies.

Just before the Caribbean mega event, when Wright flew to Pakistan to meet the PCB officials, it was speculated that he might succeed late coach Bob Woolmer. Recently according to 'Gulf News', the 52-year-old was also reportedly considered to be the top contender to replace Tom Moody as Sri Lanka coach.

However, amidst all these speculations, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that he is a ''near certainty'' for the coveted post of Brisbane.

It is believed that the former Kiwi southpaw opener, who played 82 Tests for his country, had a word with Cricket Australia (CA) officials last summer about the time when Tim Coyle was eliminated from contention.

Coyle who had coached Tasmania was one CA's top contenders for the post.

UNI