Former India coach John Wright has been named coach of the ICC World XI Test and ODI teams for the inaugural Super Series cricket tournament against Australia in October.
Wright's appointment, announced by ICC Chief Executive Malcolm Speed at a press conference in New Delhi, will mean the former New Zealand skipper would assist the world's top players in upstaging world champions Australia in three one-day internationals in Melbourne (October 5-9) and a six-day Test in Sydney (October 14-19).
"We thought it would not be appropriate to have an Australian-born coach for the World teams. We found the best man in Wright, who has an outstanding record with India against Australia. No other coach has had so much success against Australia; he is indisputably the best person for the job," Speed said.
"Also, we thought this was the person who could come in, have an instant impact and get the team playing well in a very short time," the ICC chief added.
Wright, whose five-year coaching stint with India ended in April, has been the most successful international coach against Australia in recent years.
Under his guidance, India defeated Australia 2-1 in a thrilling home series in 2001, and then followed it up by holding Steve Waugh's men to a creditable 1-1 draw in Australia in the 2003-2004 season.
Wright said he was delighted to accept the challenge.
"I have enjoyed some tremendous battles with Australia over the years as player and coach, so this is another outstanding opportunity to pit my wits and skills against them," he said in a pre-recorded audio.
"It is a great challenge from the coaching point of view. But it will be a real privilege and a great thrill to work with so many outstanding players during the series."
The World teams are scheduled to be announced on Monday in Melbourne.
Wright's appointment was recommended by former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, the chairman of selectors of the World teams, and endorsed by Speed.
Gavaskar, in a written statement, said Wright's appointment was a "significant move" in the build-up to the showdown with the world's top team.
"John is a highly experienced and respected coach who knows what it is like to beat Australia, something which few other coaches have managed to do over the past decade," Gavaskar said.
Speed, however, clarified that Wright had not been involved in the selection, which was made by the six-member panel headed by Gavaskar and comprising Mike Atherton, Richard Hadlee, Arvinda de Silva, Clive Lloyd and Jonty Rhodes.
