Meet John Wright
Former New Zealand Cricket captain and outstanding batsman, John Wright spent four and a half years as coach of the Indian cricket team. Named as India’s first foreign coach in November 2000, after former coach Kapil Dev quit midway through his two-year term, John earned the respect of the nation.
In 2001 John coached India to a dramatic series win beating Australia 2-1 and ending Australia’s 16 test consecutive winning streak. On their return tour to Australia, India won its first test in Australia for 25 years and shared the series 1-1. Other highlights included India’s first one day and test series wins against Pakistan in Pakistan, reaching the finals in the 2003 World Cup and winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002. More importantly, John transformed the side into a team of dedicated, hardworking and highly motivated professionals. In a country where cricket is more than a religion, John was able to infuse the Indian team with his spirit, his sense of humour and his will to win. As a player, John is remembered for those same qualities and 110 per cent commitment in the field. John speaks about these topics and delivers them with his wry Wright humour.
John established himself as a first class cricketer in 1975-76, playing for Northern Districts. His career spanned 17 years, scoring first class runs at an average of 42 and included 59 hundreds. A determined left-handed opening batsman, his presence made a huge impact on New Zealand cricket. Making his international test debut in 1978 against England, John played 83 tests 149 one day internationals and was the first Kiwi batsman to pass 5000 Test runs.
John assumed leadership responsibilities as New Zealand Captain in 1988 and was in charge for 15 tests and 31 one day internationals, winning 16.
John was awarded the MBE in 1988 for his services to cricket. His dedication to the sport and his country was reflected in his decision in 1992 to join the team in Sri Lanka following a bombing incident, having previously made himself unavailable for that tour. He retired in 1993. John also played County Cricket for Derbyshire for 12 seasons from 1977 to 1988 and later was the head coach of the Kent County Cricket Club for 4 years prior to his role as Indian coach.
John graduated from Otago University with a BSM Bio-Chemistry and distinguished himself by being “one of the selected few students to fail Anthropology 1” – another reflection of wry Wright humour!
In 2013 John was appointed head coach of the Mumbai Indians.
John Wright is a brilliant choice if you're looking for a motivational sports speaker or perhaps an after dinner speaker with his fabulous wit.
SPEAKING TOPICS
In 2001 John coached India to a dramatic series win beating Australia 2-1 and ending Australia’s 16 test consecutive winning streak. On their return tour to Australia, India won its first test in Australia for 25 years and shared the series 1-1. Other highlights included India’s first one day and test series wins against Pakistan in Pakistan, reaching the finals in the 2003 World Cup and winning the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002. More importantly, John transformed the side into a team of dedicated, hardworking and highly motivated professionals. In a country where cricket is more than a religion, John was able to infuse the Indian team with his spirit, his sense of humour and his will to win. As a player, John is remembered for those same qualities and 110 per cent commitment in the field. John speaks about these topics and delivers them with his wry Wright humour.
John established himself as a first class cricketer in 1975-76, playing for Northern Districts. His career spanned 17 years, scoring first class runs at an average of 42 and included 59 hundreds. A determined left-handed opening batsman, his presence made a huge impact on New Zealand cricket. Making his international test debut in 1978 against England, John played 83 tests 149 one day internationals and was the first Kiwi batsman to pass 5000 Test runs.
John assumed leadership responsibilities as New Zealand Captain in 1988 and was in charge for 15 tests and 31 one day internationals, winning 16.
John was awarded the MBE in 1988 for his services to cricket. His dedication to the sport and his country was reflected in his decision in 1992 to join the team in Sri Lanka following a bombing incident, having previously made himself unavailable for that tour. He retired in 1993. John also played County Cricket for Derbyshire for 12 seasons from 1977 to 1988 and later was the head coach of the Kent County Cricket Club for 4 years prior to his role as Indian coach.
John graduated from Otago University with a BSM Bio-Chemistry and distinguished himself by being “one of the selected few students to fail Anthropology 1” – another reflection of wry Wright humour!
In 2013 John was appointed head coach of the Mumbai Indians.
John Wright is a brilliant choice if you're looking for a motivational sports speaker or perhaps an after dinner speaker with his fabulous wit.
SPEAKING TOPICS
- cricket
- entertaining
- leadership
- sport
- sports coach
- teamwork
