Inverarity made new Kent coach

Kent County Cricket Club announced today that John Inverarity, the former Australian Test player, will join the Club as Coaching Adviser for the 2001 season.

The announcement ends the period of uncertainty surrounding John Wright's future with the Club and follows confirmation today of his appointment as Coach to the Indian national team.

John Inverarity, 56, undertook a similar role in 1988 when Kent finished runners-up in the County Championship. He subsequently became Headmaster of Hale School in Perth, Australia, but continued to be closely involved with cricket both at his school and with coaching assignments at the Australian Cricket Academy.

He will be taking long service leave from Hale School beginning in April and will be with Kent from the start of the season until the middle of July. He will also spend time in Kent this December assisting with pre-season planning.

Commenting on the appointment Carl Openshaw, Chairman of the Club, said: "We are delighted that John has agreed to join us. He played an important part in Kent's successful season in 1988 and his primary role will again be to maximise the potential of the playing staff, particularly the batsmen."

"He has an outstanding record as a manager and motivator of players and I believe that his presence and expertise will be of enormous benefit to Matthew Fleming and the team."

"We are greatly indebted to John Wright for all he has done during his four years at the Club; he has laid the foundations for the next stage in our development. We thank him for all he has done for Kent cricket and wish him every success in his new role."

Following his appointment John Inverarity said: "I am delighted to be involved in Kent cricket once again. I much enjoyed my time with the Club in 1988 and very much hope I can bring success to Kent next season, as well as helping them with their longer term plans."

On his appointment as India's new coach, John Wright said: "I am obviously delighted to have been appointed to the job in India. I would like to thank Kent for their support and help during the selection process. It has been a tremendous privilege to coach here and I leave Kent with many fond memories. I believe the Club is in a sound position to win a trophy next season and, under John Inverarity's guidance and Matthew Fleming's captaincy, I am sure the team will be challenging for honours."

The Club today confirmed that Matthew Fleming will continue as Captain for the 2001 season.

The Club also announced that it has offered a one-year contract to Paul Lazenbury, 22, a left-handed opening batsman who has had a successful season with the Club's 2nd XI and was on the Gloucestershire staff in 1998 and 1999.